<title>Robust diagnostic system: structural redundancy approach</title>

Abstract

We have developed and field tested a real-time robust diagnostic system, which uses hierarchical, multiple-aspect models of plants. The models include the functional structure, timed failure propagation graphs, physical component structure, and component failure modes. The diagnostic reasoning applies structural and temporal constraints for the generation and validation of fault hypotheses using the `predictor-corrector' principle. The diagnosis is generated in real time, amid an evolving alarm scenario, and uses progressive deepening control strategy. The robust diagnostic system has been tested and demonstrated using ECLSS models obtained from the Boeing Company.