Steps for Building and Evaluating a Block Diagram
The purpose of a block diagram is to evaluate the reliability of a system that is complex in its configuration. This topic provides guidance on the steps you take to build and evaluate a block diagram. In addition to supplying general instructions and descriptions, this topic references other topics where appropriate. These referenced topics typically describe how to perform the actions indicated.
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The actions in the following table are numbered to indicate that they are performed sequentially. For accurate analyses, you must complete these actions in the order in which they are listed.
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Action
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Description
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1.
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Create or open the System file; insert a new block diagram in the System file.
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In the RBD Table, select an existing diagram or insert a new diagram. For more information, see Inserting a Block Diagram.
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2.
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In the diagram, insert blocks for each portion of the system to analyze.
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In the diagram, insert blocks for each portion of the system or component to analyze. For more information, see Inserting a Block in a Block Diagram.
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3.
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Link blocks that are to use data from other items in the System file.
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A block can be linked to a system tree item; FMEA item, mode, or cause; or a Weibull data set. If a block is data linked to another item in the System file, the failure information calculated for this item is brought over to the linked block. For more information, see Inserting a Data Link.
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4.
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For each independent block in the diagram, enter calculation properties. You can also specify visual properties.
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Calculation properties must be entered for each independent block in the diagram. To view and modify a block’s calculation properties, double-click it. For more information, see Block Calculation Properties. You can also view and modify a block’s visual properties by right-clicking it and selecting Visual Properties. For more information, see Block Visual Properties.
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5.
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Connect the blocks in the diagram. You can also specify visual properties.
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Connect the blocks in the diagram to indicate how they are configured. You can automatically connect blocks in a series configuration as described in Connecting Blocks in a Series Configuration Automatically. Or, you can manually connect blocks in any configuration as described in Connecting Blocks in Any Configuration Manually. You can also view and modify a connector’s visual properties by double-clicking it. For more information, see Connector Properties.
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6.
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Calculate RBD results.
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Once calculation data has been entered for all blocks, you can run calculations. For more information, see RBD Calculations.
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7.
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Generate RBD reports and graphs.
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Generate RBD reports and graphs. For more information, see RBD Custom Graphs.
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