Evidence Theory Representations for Properties Associated With Weak Link/Strong Link Systems, Part 1: Loss of Assured Safety

Abstract

The use of evidence theory in the analysis of loss of assured safety (LOAS) for weak link (WL)/strong link (SL) systems is introduced and illustrated. Article content includes (i) an introduction to evidence theory, (ii) definition of two WLs and two SLs used for illustration, (iii) belief and plausibility for the occurrence of LOAS for a one WL/two SL system, and (iv) a sampling-based procedure for the verification of belief and plausibility calculations. The presented results can be generalized to systems with more than one WL and two SLs.