LAUSR

The author proposes a method of elements ranking in multi-functional system using the fuzzy relations theory. The problem is formulated as an automatic classification based on the transitive closure of the fuzzy similarity relation. The original information about the system is given as a fuzzy relation of influence of elements’ failures on the performance of system’s functions. To calculate the degrees of element’s influence on the functions performance, we use the comparison of all influences with the least influence by 9-point Saaty scale. The proposed method relaxes the assumption about the independence and the binary-state (up-down) of elements. The possible fields of application are multi-functional systems with ill-defined structures such as organizational, ergatic, military, etc.