A Synthesis-Component-Based GO-FLOW Modeling Paradigm for Automated Time-Dependent and Phased-Mission Reliability Model Generation and Analysis

Automatic modeling is an efficient way to ensure the consistency and validity of system reliability and risk models. In this article, an innovative synthesis-component-based modeling paradigm is proposed for automated GO-FLOW model generation from piping and instrumentation diagrams. Within the automata modeling paradigm, a collection of componentized GO-FLOW models for general types and common failure modes of components is first developed to facilitate model transformation mapping. Then, an algorithmic procedure for automated GO-FLOW model generation is elaborated and extended for configuration risk management. Finally, the algorithmic paradigm is demonstrated and verified through comparisons among three different modeling strategies applying to a case study of a simplified safety injection system in pressurized water reactor designs. The comparison results show that the component-based GO-FLOW modeling paradigm is capable of efficient reliability modeling and analysis of time-dependent and phased-mission systems. The consistency, accuracy, and credibility of system reliability and risk models can be effectively guaranteed for configuration risk management with the unified and standardized component-based GO-FLOW modeling paradigm. The automated GO-FLOW model builder is also supportive for reliability-based system design optimization.