The paper presents objectives and results of a series of case studies in computer support for diagnosis, failure mode and effects analysis, and the creation of repair manuals in the domain of automotive systems. Model-based prediction and diagnosis reflect the requirements of these tasks. More specifically, qualitative models of system components are necessary for both capturing the available k...

Diagnosis, i.e., fault localization in case of observing an unexpected behavior, is an important practical problem. During the past decades researchers have suggested several approaches for using models of the systems directly for identifying the root causes of failure. This model-based diagnosis approaches are either based on retaining consistency or on abduction. Despite their advantages both...

Fully autonomous vehicles promise enormous gains in safety, efficiency, and economy for transportation. However, before such gains can be realized, a plethora of safety and reliability concerns must be addressed. In previous work, we have introduced a system for managing autonomous vehicles at intersections that is capable of handling more vehicles and causing fewer delays than modern-day mecha...

This paper proposes a method of analysis for evaluating failure detectors. The method can be applied to compare the performance of failure detectors in a given environment. Through a cost analysis approach, this method creates a cost metric, averagelost, which might tackle with comparing two failure detectors. Through the consequent experiment, we conclude that the value of a failure detector d...

A failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) was applied to improve the design of concrete ties in ballasted track for North American heavy haul applications. A literature review was conducted on concrete tie failure modes, failure effects, and failure causes. A survey of railroads and transit authorities in North America provided a ranking of the most critical concrete tie failure modes. The most...

This paper describes how the effects of possible component failures on an electrical system can be predicted through simulation of the correct behavior of the system, and repeated simulation of versions of the system containing faulty components. The results of such simulation are useful both for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and for diagnosis. Such results have been used commercial...