Fault tree analysis (VDI 2247)

Activities

• Activity 1: Clarifying and itemising the problem or task
• Activity 2: Determining functions and their structures
• Activity 4: Assessing and selecting the solution concept
• Activity 6: Designing the modules
• Activity 9: Assurance of the fulfilment of the requirements

Necessary tools

• Guidelines are necessary for step 3. These can be found in the additional literature.

Description

Fault tree analysis can determine the malfunction and disturbance influences of systems and systems for safety and reliability analyses. It is used to quantitatively estimate errors, consequences and causes of errors in safety-relevant systems.

Procedure

1. Functional structure with the individual sub-functions, as well as the required additional functions, is known so that all necessary functions can be displayed
2. negate functions one by one, assume that they will not be fulfilled
3. Look for possible causes of this malfunction or influence of disturbances, identify their OR or AND connection and analyze the effects
4. Draw conclusions and improve designs and verify concepts

Sources

• Ehrlenspiel and Meerkamm 2017, p.624
• Kumke 2018
• Lindemann 2009, p. 262
• Pahl et al. 2007, p. 694-702
• VDI 2221 (1993)
• VDI 2223 (2004)