Extending Sysml Models To Enable Automatic Generation Of Fault Trees

Building a fault tree for a complex system can be a daunting task. The graphical nature of fault tree models drive the resulting abstraction to be large requiring numerous \u27views\u27 to represent the entire system. Subsequently, manual generation can be prone to errors. Many complex systems today employ a model-based system engineering (MBSE) approach to govern the design. This paper outlines a method to auto-generate fault trees directly from an MBSE design. It centers on the internal block diagrams (IBD) rendered from SysML models which contribute to defining the system\u27s structure. The IBD conveys the connectivity among the components, so there is information inherent in these views that can aid fault tree development. As failure modes for their construction are not readily available within an IBD, a technique to minimally extend the SysML model and link such failures to the applicable components is illustrated. Using an IBD depicting a cryogenic storage tank\u27s pressurization system, an example is provided that demonstrates this method