The Analysis of a Class of Non-Series Parallel Redundant Systems

Two analysis techniques for use in the study of a class of non-series parallel, dual channel systems are presented. The first technique is a method for obtaining an approximate solution for the system. It is based on a systematic analysis of first- and second-order failure modes and involves the use of matrix algebra. The second technique is a method for generating the exact solution from the approximate solution. This method involves a transformation which converts the system into a logically equivalent system. An exact solution for the transformed system is derived and is shown to be the exact solution for the original system.