A new reliability analysis method for vehicle systems based on goal-oriented methodology

This paper presents a new approach for the reliability analysis of vehicle systems by considering typical characteristics based on goal-oriented methodology. First, solutions are proposed for vehicle systems with multiple fault modes, a standby structure at any position, a multiple-input closed-loop feedback link, multiple functions, and multiple conditions for the goal-oriented method. Then, a two-level goal-oriented model and the new rules of goal-oriented operation for such vehicle systems are proposed. Furthermore, the quantitative method and the qualitative method are improved. In addition, the analysis process for these vehicle systems based on the new goal-oriented method is formulated. Finally, this new goal-oriented methodology is applied in the dynamic availability analysis and qualitative analysis of the power-shift steering transmission for a heavy military vehicle. In order to verify the feasibility, the advantages, and the correctness of the new goal-oriented methodology, the results are compared with those from fault tree analysis and Monte Carlo simulations. In general, this study not only improves the theory of the goal-oriented method and widens the application of the goal-oriented method but also provides a new reliability analysis method for such vehicle systems. In addition, the analysis process of the new goal-oriented method shows that the goal-oriented method has advantages in system reliability modeling and system reliability analysis for vehicle systems.