Minimal cut set
Definition
In a fault tree, the smallest set of simultaneously failing basic events that is sufficient to cause the top event. Identifies the most dangerous failure combinations for design and maintenance attention.
Related terms
- 5-Whys
- An iterative questioning technique that moves from a symptom to underlying causes by asking 'why?' repeatedly until a systemic explanation is reached.
- Barrier Analysis
- A method that identifies the physical, administrative, and procedural barriers that should have prevented harm, and asks which barriers were absent, inadequate,...
- Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
- A top-down, deductive Boolean logic model that works backward from a specific undesired top event through AND/OR gates to identify minimal cut...
- FMEA / FMECA
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a bottom-up, inductive method listing what can fail in each component and the effect on the...
- Root cause
- The fundamental, underlying deficiency from which the failure originated. Distinguished from immediate cause (the final physical event) and contributing factors. Root-cause analysis...
Explained in
- Root-Cause Analysis MethodsIn a fault tree, the smallest set of simultaneously failing basic events that is sufficient to cause the top event. Identifies the most dangerous failure combi...