A novel ranking function-based triangular intuitionistic fuzzy fault tree analysis method

Abstract

In reliability field, the probabilities of basic events are often treated as exact values in conventional fault tree analysis. However, for many practical systems, because the concept of events may be ambiguous, the factors affecting the occurrence of events are complex and changeable, so it is difficult to obtain accurate values of the occurrence probability of events. Fuzzy sets can well deal with these situations. Thus this paper will develop a novel fault tree analysis method in the assumption of the values of probability of basic events expressed with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. First, a new ranking function of triangular intuitionistic numbers is established, which can reflect the behavior factors of the decision maker. Then a novel fault tree analysis method is put forward on the basis of operational laws and the proposed ranking function of triangular intuitionistic numbers. Finally, an example of weapon system “automatic gun” is employed to show that the proposed fault tree analysis method is feasible and effective.