Can I have circular references in my BlockSim reliability block diagram (RBD)?
Circular references are not allowed in BlockSim. The software uses a methodology called the Path Tracing Method in order to evaluate the reliability of the system in the RBD. The Path Tracing Method requires that each RBD has one starting block and one ending block. It then calculates all of the “paths” from the starting block to the ending block that would allow the system to function. For this reason, circular references are not allowed, as it would result in an infinite number of paths through the system. Note: Issue 2 of the Reliability HotWire eMagazine presents a more detailed discussion of methods to determine the reliability of complex systems. In some circumstances, it may be possible to work around the problem of circular references by splitting blocks, or creating an input block and an output block, which represent two different functions of the same component.
