A Mathematical Method to Optimize Fault Tree Displays

Thomas Bingham

doi:10.56094/jss.v55i3.37

Authors

Thomas C. Bingham, II The Boeing Company (retired)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56094/jss.v55i3.37

Keywords:

fault tree, FTA, graphical display, algorithm

Abstract

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) has undergone significant development since its inception in the early 1960s. It has been instrumental in modeling safety and reliability problems in which failure simply is not an option. Aerospace and nuclear industries, several universities, government agencies and software developers have played a large role in the development of FTA. As a result, practical and widely applicable mathematical tools have been established using reasonably common terminology and computer applications. This paper focuses on the fault tree display itself, and on improvements that add significant benefits to it.

Author Biography

Thomas C. Bingham, II, The Boeing Company (retired)

Mr. Thomas C. Bingham is a career statistician retired from 38 years at The Boeing Company. He received bachelor degrees in mathematical statistics and physics, and a master of science in applied mathematics from the University of Washington. His professional experience includes industrial statistics applied to engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance. During his service at Boeing Research and Technology he helped design and program internal fault tree software. In retirement Mr. Bingham and his wife share their time between Washington State and Costa Rica.

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