A novel logic-based approach for failure modes mitigation control and quantitative system reliability analyses

The core idea of reliability design is to mitigate the product’s failure modes. However, for the cross-links among potential failure modes of a complex product, it is very difficult to establish the mapping relationship between failure modes mitigation and quantitative values of reliability, and the decision of failure modes mitigation have to be performed by virtue of experience, which always increase design period. In order to solve these problems, a novel logic-based approach for failure modes mitigation control and quantitative system reliability analyses is provided. Firstly, a hybrid of active and passive control process of reliability design is proposed. Secondly, a novel concept of failure modes correlation set (FMCS) and a determination approach based on deductive theory are presented. According to the changes in failure modes probabilities of occurrence, the reliability formulas of the components and assemblies are provided to depict the effects of failure mode mitigation on reliability of components and assemblies. And then the FMCS mitigation sequence is decided to determine reliability design activities. Thirdly, a closed control process of FMCS mitigation is provided integrated with logic decision method. By exposing the design of a helicopter fuel system, the present study demonstrates that all approaches are feasible, and the relationship between reliability parameters and qualitative design exists. Hence the failure modes mitigation could be controlled for the achievement of quantitative reliability requirements.