The Reliability of Complex Networks

A procedure to approximate the reliability of a complex system operating through a multiphase mission is presented. The procedure may be used to evaluate functionally redundant systems or any other system in which there are a number of different combinations of parts or equipments whose simultaneous operation is sufficient to ensure success through a phase. The method actually gives a lower bound to the probability that at least one sufficient condition for success will occur in each of the phases of the mission.