Reliability of Safety–Critical Systems: Theory and Applications

Presents the theory and methodology for reliability assessments of safety–critical functions through examples from a wide range of applications Reliability of Safety–Critical Systems: Theory and Applications provides a comprehensive introduction to reliability assessments of safety–related systems based on electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic (E/E/PE) technology. With a focus on the design and development phases of safety–critical systems, the book presents theory and methods required to document compliance with IEC 61508 and the associated sector–specific standards. Combining theory and practical applications, Reliability of Safety–Critical Systems: Theory and Applications implements key safety–related strategies and methods to meet quantitative safety integrity requirements. In addition, the book details a variety of reliability analysis methods that are needed during all stages of a safety–critical system, beginning with specification and design and advancing to operations, maintenance, and modification control. The key categories of safety life–cycle phases are featured, including strategies for the allocation of reliability performance requirements; assessment methods in relation to design; and reliability quantification in relation to operation and maintenance. Issues and benefits that arise from complex modern technology developments are featured, as well as: Real–world examples from large industry facilities with major accident potential and products owned by the general public such as cars and tools Plentiful worked examples throughout that provide readers with a deeper understanding of the core concepts and aid in the analysis and solution of common issues when assessing all facets of safety–critical systems Approaches that work on a wide scope of applications and can be applied 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 introduced into systems and facilities to prevent or mitigate the impact of an accident, this book is an excellent guide for professionals, consultants, and operators of safety–critical systems who carry out practical, risk, and reliability assessments of safety–critical systems. Reliability of Safety–Critical Systems: Theory and Applications is also a useful textbook for courses in reliability assessment of safety–critical systems and reliability engineering at the graduate–level, as well as for consulting companies offering short courses in reliability assessment of safety–critical systems.