Results of these tests can be effectively combined with those of the complete system tests through a robust mathematical model to produce an equivalent reliability assessment of the entire system, while maintaining a high degree of confidence in the assessment.
Complex systems are capable of operating in a wide variety of scenarios.
System tests are restricted to a limited number of scenarios. In addition, certain test scenarios typically provide the most data in a system test and therefore tend to be exercised more frequently. Through the use of the mathematical model, additional variable performance parameters can be incorporated for the purpose of assessing reliability sensitivity to different combinations of scenarios and employment conditions. This capability is used to provide guidance on optimum and sub-optimum use of the system. Further, the structure of the model provides the capability to assess ways to optimize the design of the test scenarios themselves.