M2CIRQ: Qualitative fluid flow modelling for aerospace FMEA applications

This paper presents fluid flow system simulation using the MCIRQ qualitative simulator. MCIRQ was designed as an electrical simulator, however this work exploits the close analogy between fluid flow and electrical current at the level of qualitative behaviour. The core qualitative flow algorithm is applicable to both domains but there are differences in the systems structures and assumptions that require additional modelling. The concepts of multiple source networks, and explicit propagation of multiple substances through a network, are necessary to model important characteristics of fluid flow networks. Both of these characteristics are developed on top of the MCIRQ simulator with the aim to produce an automated FMEA for aircraft fuel systems similar to previously developed automated electrical FMEA.