Modeling and analysis of fault-tolerant systems for machining operations based on Petri nets

This paper introduces a methodology for modeling and analyzing fault-tolerant manufacturing systems that not only optimizes normal productive processes, but also performs detection and treatment of faults. This approach is based on the hierarchical and modular integration of Petri nets. The modularity provides the integration of three types of processes: those representing the productive process, fault detection, and fault treatment. The hierarchical aspect of the approach allows us to consider processes on different levels of detail (i.e., factory, manufacturing cell, or machine). Case studies considering detection and treatment of faults are presented, and a simulation tool is applied to verify the models. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.