FTA (Fault Tree Analysis)

Top-down deductive method for analyzing potential causes of system failures using Boolean logic gates (AND, OR). Starts with an undesired top event (the problem) and works backward through contributing factors until root causes are identified. Visualizes all possible paths to failure as a tree diagram. Different from bottom-up approaches like Fishbone which brainstorm possible causes. FTA is more rigorous and quantitative, often used in aerospace, nuclear, and safety-critical industries. Can calculate probability of top event when failure rates of components are known. Complements FMEA by analyzing specific failure scenarios in depth.