As the name suggests, fault tree analysis is an analytical tool that represents the critical components to test the safety and reliability of a complex system. This is composed of a series of events in a top-down approach to assess probable failure consequences. Furthermore, it takes the concept of boolean logic where statements are based on True/ False depicting the path of failure. FTA is essentially is developed to identify potential failures and their causes in order to address the risk and be prevented. To understand FTA analysis further, read through the rest of the article.
Fault Tree Analysis Symbols and Editable Examples
- Importance of Fault Tree Analysis
- FTA Analysis Symbols
- How to make Fault Tree Analysis
- Examples of Fault Tree Analysis
Importance of Fault Tree Analysis
As mentioned, the fault tree is a graphical tool that creates a record of a series of statements to define the probable failure consequences of a system. Thus, it is popular in the fields of engineering. It permits the managers to see a component that may cause many paths to failures. Through fault tree analysis, managers will be able to focus on the area of the fault and address the issue prior to the launch or execution. In other words, it lets you highlight the critical elements related to system failure and produce a reliable and safe system. It does not only
FTA Analysis Symbols
Just like any diagram, there are symbols that make up a fault tree. Also, each symbol denotes a unique function to show the logical arrangement of events and understand the system well. Basically, there are two types of notation for the fault tree diagram. This includes events and logic gates. So to assist you in designing this diagram, here are the following symbols and their description you should know about.
Basic event– a basic failure event which represents by the circle
External event– an event that represents occurrence and non-occurrence
Undeveloped event– events that are under development and do not require further resolution
Conditioning event– an event that is used to associate with other events to indicate condition or restriction
AND gate– this symbol implies that all input conditions are met
OR gate– an output event is a fault tree diagram which at least one condition is met
Priority AND gate– this occurs when all input events occur in order or specific sequence
Exclusive OR gate– appears if there’s only one condition that takes place
Inhibit gate– takes place when the input condition is met along with the associated condition
How to make Fault Tree Analysis
In this section, you will learn how to create a fault tree with simple steps. But before that, you need to decide whether you want to create using a pen and paper or a fault tree analysis program. Of course, a program made to create such diagrams would make things a lot easier. In fact, there are countless diagramming tools. Yet for free and fully-featured software, GitMind is the best of the bunch. It provides shapes and figures you need to create diagrams and flowcharts. Also, you don’t need to install and you can even use it on your smartphone provided you have a browser and internet connection. Below is the guide to draw a fault tree diagram.
- Go to the official website of GitMind using any browser. Once landed on the page, click “Get Started” followed by the “New Flowchart” button.
- Then it will direct you to the editing interface. At first, add the shapes you need by clicking the “More Shapes” at the bottom left-hand interface.
- Now unfold the folder that contains the figures needed and then start by identifying the undesired event of the system. Input the corresponding shapes until you form a fault tree model.
- At this point, you should be able to draw a fault tree diagram. Once satisfied, you may keep the diagram private or share the diagram as it is via the share link.
Or you can get its desktop version from the download link below:
DOWNLOADExamples of Fault Tree Analysis
If you need further understanding of this diagram, you can refer to the examples below. Here you will find some simple examples to grasp the idea behind FTA.
Figure 1: Fault tree of a computer not starting
This is a simple example of a fault tree. It identifies the probable causes of why a computer is not starting or turning on. From the fault tree analysis, you will see an OR gate which shows the causes of the primary fault. It could be “No power” or “Booting Problem”. As you dig way deeper, you will be able to define the most basic causes of the problem.
Figure 2: Fault tree of application crash
Proving the flexibility of a fault tree, it is not only used for hardware systems but also in software development as shown in the example give. This particular example gives the reader the probable causes for the application crash. Causes include problems scalability if there are many users or congested with people. Then under these causes are basic events that contribute to the primary fault event creating a fault tree diagram.
Conclusion
One system may fail one way or another as the development of technology becomes more complex. Through FTA, you can create a safe and reliable system by identifying the probable hazard in a system. After obtaining knowledge about FTA and some examples, you will be able to create your own FTA to help you when designing or updating a system.
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