FADES: A tool for automated fault analysis of complex systems

FADES is an Expert System for performing fault analyses on complex connected systems. By using a graphical editor to draw components and link them together the FADES system allows the analyst to describe a given system. The knowledge base created is used to qualitatively simulate the system behaviour. By inducing all possible component failures in the system and determining their effects, a set of facts is built up. These facts are then used to create Fault Trees, or FMEA tables. The facts may also be used for explanation effects and to generate diagnostic rules allowing system instrumentation to be optimised. The prototype system has been built and tested and is preently undergoing testing by users. All comments from these trials will be used to tailor the system to the requirements of the user so that the end product performs the exact task required