Model-Based Failure Analysis with RODON

The model-based reasoning tool RODON supports engineers in their quest for reliable, well-designed technical products, by providing means to analyze system behavior, especially in case of failure, systematically. Based on a quantitative product model, it offers a wide range of analyses, including reliability analyses such as FMEA and FTA or the generation of diagnostic knowledge such as diagnostic decision trees. An object-oriented modeling language enhances the reusability of models and, together with an integrated design environment and extensive model libraries, considerably reduces the modeling effort. In this paper, we describe the modeling framework and the model analyses supported by RODON (considering as example the model of a comfort seat), and characterize the technology behind them. Finally, we discuss the experience gained during the development of RODON.