Feature dependence: A method for reconstructing actual causes in engineering failure investigations.

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Causal inference
• Accident investigation

Background:

• Engineering failures require accurate cause reconstruction.
• Establishing causal relationships is crucial for investigations.
• Existing methods may lack detailed causal analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain the "feature dependence" method.
• To provide a structured approach for reconstructing failure causes.
• To demonstrate the application of feature dependence in a real-world case.

Main Methods:

• Defining "feature dependence" as a reconstructive method.
• Analyzing the evidential basis of feature dependence premises.
• Applying the method to the American Airlines Flight 191 accident.

Main Results:

• Feature dependence offers a systematic way to link event features to causal factors.
• The method successfully reconstructs details of past events.
• Case study illustrates the practical utility of feature dependence.

Conclusions:

• Feature dependence is a valuable tool for engineering failure investigations.
• The method enhances the accuracy of causal reconstruction.
• Further research can refine and expand its applications.