A formalisation of failure mode analysis of control systems

Failure mode analysis techniques using graphic aids to evaluate failure conditions and events have been developed over several years. Here a mathematical description of conditions and events is described, and is related to a mathematical model of a system. A systematic method for deducing event sequences is developed, and the method is applied to practical examples.

The main motivation for formalisation of failure analysis is to provide a concept of completeness or thoroughness for a failure analysis. At the same time, the possibilities for automation of failure analysis are considered.