Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems

Presents the theory and methodology for reliabilityassessments of safety-critical functions through examples from awide range of applications Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Theory andApplications provides a comprehensive introduction toreliability assessments of safety-related systems based onelectrical, electronic, and programmable electronic (E/E/PE)technology. With a focus on the design and development phases ofsafety-critical systems, the book presents theory and methodsrequired to document compliance with IEC 61508 and the associatedsector-specific standards. Combining theory and practical applications, Reliability ofSafety-Critical Systems: Theory and Applications implements keysafety-related strategies and methods to meet quantitative safetyintegrity requirements. In addition, the book details a variety ofreliability analysis methods that are needed during all stages of asafety-critical system, beginning with specification and design andadvancing to operations, maintenance, and modification control. Thekey categories of safety life-cycle phases are featured, includingstrategies for the allocation of reliability performancerequirements; assessment methods in relation to design; andreliability quantification in relation to operation andmaintenance. Issues and benefits that arise from complex moderntechnology developments are featured, as well as: * Real-world examples from large industry facilities with majoraccident potential and products owned by the general public such ascars and tools * Plentiful worked examples throughout that provide readers witha deeper understanding of the core concepts and aid in the analysisand solution of common issues when assessing all facets ofsafety-critical systems * Approaches that work on a wide scope of applications and can beapplied to the analysis of any safety-critical system * A brief appendix of probability theory for reference With an emphasis on how safety-critical functions are introducedinto systems and facilities to prevent or mitigate the impact of anaccident, this book is an excellent guide for professionals,consultants, and operators of safety-critical systems who carry outpractical, risk, and reliability assessments of safety-criticalsystems. Reliability of Safety-Critical Systems: Theory andApplications is also a useful textbook for courses inreliability assessment of safety-critical systems and reliabilityengineering at the graduate-level, as well as for consultingcompanies offering short courses in reliability assessment ofsafety-critical systems.