System Reliability Analysis: Foundations

System reliability analysis problems arise in many practical engineering areas. Some of these include communication networks, electrical power systems, water transmission systems, nuclear power reactors, and transportation systems. We will illustrate some of the ideas basic to a system reliability analysis via our experience in analyzing a proposed Satellite X-ray Test Facility (SXTF). This facility would test space satellites relative to an electromagnetic radiation environment. This research was supported by the army Research 0ffto under Contract No. DAAG29-81-K-0160 with the university of cilifornia. Reporduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the united states Government.