SYSTEM BEHAVIOR MODELING AS A BASIS FOR ADVANCED FAILURE MODES AND EFFECTS ANALYSIS

摘要

This paper presents a method for developing a device behavior model to enhance reliability at the early stages of conceptual design. The model facilitates a semi-automated advanced failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). The model performs analyses and simulations of device behavior, reasons about conditions that depart from desired behaviors, and analyzes the results of those departures. The proposed method rigorously specifies pre- and post-conditions, yet is flexible in the syntax of device operation. The paper shows how the method can capture failures normally missed by existing FMEA methods. An automatic ice maker serves as an example application.