Overview
ABSTRACT
A pedagogical case study on the application of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to a simplified autonomous drone system is presented. After introducing the functional architecture, a fault tree is constructed to identify basic failure events leading to a loss of the drone. A qualitative analysis determines minimal cut sets, highlighting critical vulnerabilities. Design improvement strategies are proposed, and a top-event probability estimate is provided using linear approximation model. The study aims to familiarise engineering students with fundamental safety principles applied to embedded aerospace systems.
Read this article from a comprehensive knowledge base, updated and supplemented with articles reviewed by scientific committees.
Read the articleAUTHOR
-
David MAILLAND : Independent researcher
INTRODUCTION
The use of autonomous drones has grown significantly in recent years in both civil and military applications . From infrastructure inspection to rescue missions, including large-scale deployments in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, these systems are now engaged in critical missions where autonomy and reliability are essential.
In this context, anticipating failures and controlling risks have become key challenges . Engineers are increasingly relying on structured methodologies from the field of operational safety to identify feared scenarios and ensure mission continuity. Among these, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) provides a logical framework for exploring combinations of events leading to the loss of a drone.
The article presents a detailed study of this method, applied to a simplified autonomous drone system. The aim is to introduce engineering students to practical safety assessment tools, combining static modeling and logical reasoning. The case study was deliberately designed to be educational, analytically manageable, and transferable to complex aeronautical scenarios.
Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a top-down method for identifying combinations of failures that could lead to a predefined critical event. It is based on logic gates (AND/OR) and allows for qualitative and quantitative risk assessment....
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
Already subscribed? Log in!
KEYWORDS
fault tree analysis | autonomous drone | reliability assesment | dependability
Fault Tree Analysis applied to an Autonomous Drone System
Functional description of the system
Article included in this offer
"Aerospace systems"
(
77 articles
)
Updated and enriched with articles validated by our scientific committees
A set of exclusive tools to complement the resources
Bibliography
Exclusive to subscribers. 97% yet to be discovered!
Already subscribed? Log in!
