An integrated methodology for the dynamic performance and reliability evaluation of fault-tolerant systems

• Published in: Reliability engineering & system safety Vol. 93; no. 11; pp. 1628 - 1649
• Main Authors: Domínguez-García, Alejandro D., Kassakian, John G., Schindall, Joel E., Zinchuk, Jeffrey J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Behavior; Behavioral model; Dynamic probabilistic risk assessment; Exact sciences and technology; Fault tolerance; Markov reliability modeling; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Reliability; Reliability theory. Replacement problems; Risk theory. Actuarial science; Fault tolerance; Behavioral model; Dynamic probabilistic risk assessment; Behavior; Reliability; Performance; Markov reliability modeling; Performance evaluation; Markov process; Stochastic model; Flight; Control synthesis; Artefact; Dynamical system; Stochastic process; Fight aircraft; Modeling; Markov chain; Behavioral analysis; Risk assessment; System analysis; Fault tolerant system; Metric system; Probabilistic approach; Process planning; Lateral; Rupture; Risk analysis; Failure rate; Failures; Behavior model; Engineering design; Design process; Aircraft; Fault diagnostic
• ISSN: 0951-8320; 1879-0836
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2008.01.007

We propose an integrated methodology for the reliability and dynamic performance analysis of fault-tolerant systems. This methodology uses a behavioral model of the system dynamics, similar to the ones used by control engineers to design the control system, but also incorporates artifacts to model the failure behavior of each component. These artifacts include component failure modes (and associated failure rates) and how those failure modes affect the dynamic behavior of the component. The methodology bases the system evaluation on the analysis of the dynamics of the different configurations the system can reach after component failures occur. For each of the possible system configurations, a performance evaluation of its dynamic behavior is carried out to check whether its properties, e.g., accuracy, overshoot, or settling time, which are called performance metrics, meet system requirements. Markov chains are used to model the stochastic process associated with the different configurations that a system can adopt when failures occur. This methodology not only enables an integrated framework for evaluating dynamic performance and reliability of fault-tolerant systems, but also enables a method for guiding the system design process, and further optimization. To illustrate the methodology, we present a case-study of a lateral-directional flight control system for a fighter aircraft.