Dynamic Flowgraph Methodology (DFM) Modeling of Nuclear and Advanced Technology System Risk and Reliability Scenarios

Modeling and analytical features of the dynamic flowgraph methodology (DFM), a modeling framework based on multi-valued/discrete-time logic that provides users with the ability to represent the physical, functional and dynamic characteristics of a complex engineering system, are described and discussed. By providing a direct and explicit representation of both cause-effect and time-dependent system features, the DFM models and algorithms enable design validation, reliability and safety analyses that traditional binary static models cannot support with equal flexibility and fidelity. A broad range of applications to nuclear, space and aeronautical systems, and the insights derived from these, are also presented and discussed in this chapter, illustrating the versatility and effectiveness of the methodology for the stated analytical objectives of interest.