Fault Tree Analysis
Build a top-down fault tree from an undesired top event, combine contributing events with AND/OR logic, and examine qualitative cut sets and risk-reduction options.
Reason from an undesired system event down to combinations of contributing events.
Build a top-down fault tree from an undesired top event, combine contributing events with AND/OR logic, and examine qualitative cut sets and risk-reduction options.
This interactive tool follows the Systems Engineering Academy production pattern: explicit context, progressive engineering decisions, immediate visual feedback, a change challenge, management interpretation, experiment mode and knowledge check.
Fault Tree Analysis — Step by Step
Eight locked stages build the engineering model, test a changed condition and conclude with a management systems view.
Reason from an undesired system event down to combinations of contributing events.
Reveal the context to begin.
Review event level, gate logic, event definition and qualitative contribution to the top event.
Explore Fault-Tree Logic
Experiment Mode is isolated from the guided state. Adjust the variables and observe the effect without changing the guided analysis.
Test your systems-engineering judgement.
Fault Tree Analysis cues
Top Event
The clearly defined undesired system-level event.
OR Gate
The output occurs if any one input event occurs.
AND Gate
The output occurs only when all required inputs occur.
Basic Event
A lowest-level event not developed further.
Intermediate Event
An event produced by lower-level causes.
Minimal Cut Set
A smallest combination of basic events sufficient to cause the top event.
A fault tree is useful when event definitions and gate logic are explicit enough to challenge and verify.
Keep the assumptions, evidence and decision context visible so the model remains useful when conditions change.