Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

Introduction

• Diagnosing problems using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
• FTA is a root cause analysis (RCA) method similar to fishbone analysis.
• Purpose: Identify causes to prevent problem recurrence.
• FTA is a diagrammatic representation of the sequence of events leading to a failure.
• Top-down approach: Start from the problem and trace down to root causes.

Key Components

• Events: Elements or occurrences contributing to the failure.
• Logic Gates: Symbols to depict the relationship between events.

Working of FTA

1. Top-level Event: Represents the primary problem to be diagnosed.
2. Intermediate Events: Break down the top event into smaller components leading to the basic events.
3. Types of Events:
   • Basic Event: Root cause of the problem (circular symbol).
   • Underdeveloped Event: Needs further investigation (diamond symbol).

Logic Gates

• AND Gate: Both inputs must be true for the output to be true.
• OR Gate: Any one input needs to be true for the output to be true.

Example Analysis

Example 1: Machine Malfunction

• Top-level Event: Machine malfunction.
• Intermediate Events: Mechanical failure OR Electrical failure (connected by OR gate).
  • Electrical Failure: Wiring issue AND Overload (connected by AND gate).
    • Basic Event: Overload.
    • Underdeveloped Event: Wiring issue (needs further inspection).

Detailed Example: Car Not Starting

• Top-level Event: Car not starting in winter.
• Major Categories: Fuel issue OR Electrical issue (connected by OR gate).
  • Fuel Issue:
    • No gas in tank AND No spare can of gas (connected by AND gate).
    • Both identified as Basic Events.
  • Electrical Issue:
    • Dead battery, Problem with alternator, or Car starter issue (connected by OR gate).
    • Basic Event: Dead battery.
    • Underdeveloped Events: Alternator and Car starter issues (need further inspection).

Types of FTA Analysis

• Qualitative Analysis: Identifying basic events and contributing factors logically.
• Quantitative Analysis: Involves calculating probabilities of event occurrences and dependencies between events; not covered in detail.

Applications

• Useful for diagnosing root causes in business, complex projects, and everyday life.

Conclusion

• FTA is an essential tool for root cause analysis.
• Encouraged to do further research on the quantitative aspects of FTA.
• Community Engagement: Suggestions for future topics are welcome.

Closing Notes

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