Basic Computations in Fault Tree Analysis

Abstract

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a well-established method in failure analysis and is widely used in safety and reliability assessments. While FTA tools enable users to manage complex analyses effectively, they can sometimes obscure the underlying calculation processes. As a result, the soundness of FTA results often hinges on the user's expertise and familiarity with the methodology and the tool. This paper aims to explore the fundamental principles underlying both qualitative and quantitative FTA analyses, while addressing broader conceptual considerations such as coherence and consensus. By developing a deeper understanding of these concepts, engineers can improve their ability to interpret, verify, and make informed use of the outputs generated by FTA tools. This paper does not propose a novel concept in FTA but aims to compile and present a concise overview of the fundamental computations in FTA.