Building Diagrams

Analyses in BlockSim are based on two basic diagram types: reliability block diagrams (RBDs) and fault trees. These are both symbolic analytical logic techniques that can be applied to analyze system reliability and related characteristics. Either type can be configured as an analytical diagram (which uses the exact algebraic equation for the system model but imposes limitations on what can be modeled and what results can be obtained) or a simulation diagram (which provides more modeling options and results but must be analyzed with discrete event simulation).

To add blocks of any type (e.g., standard blocks, node blocks, fault tree gates, etc.) to a diagram, choose the applicable Add command on the [Diagram/Fault Tree/Phase] tab of the Ribbon. For example, to add a standard block to a reliability block diagram, choose Diagram > Blocks > Add Block.

To add an AND gate to a fault tree, choose Fault Tree > Gates and Events > Add Gate > Add AND Gate.

Note: If a gate is currently selected in the fault tree when you add an item, the new item will be added below the selected gate and connected to it. If an event is currently selected in the fault tree when you add a gate, the new gate will be added above the selected event and connected either to the event or, if there is a gate above the event, to that gate. If an event is currently selected in the fault tree when you add another event, the new event will not be connected to the original selected event.

You also can cut or copy existing blocks (in the current diagram or in any other diagram of the same type) and paste them into the diagram using the Cut, Copy and Paste commands on the Home tab of the Ribbon. Blocks created in this manner will possess the same style and properties as the original block.

To select an individual block, click it. There are several ways to select multiple blocks:

Hold down the CTRL key and click the blocks.
Click in the diagram and drag the selection area to include the blocks you want to select.
Choose Home > Edit > Select All to select all blocks in the current diagram.

Click a block and then choose [Diagram/Fault Tree/Phase] > Selection > Cascade Select to select all blocks that are connected to that block, either before it or after it.

What's Changed? In previous versions of BlockSim, Templates were used to store reusable blocks that could be dragged into diagrams. In version 8, the reusability of resources makes this functionality unnecessary.