Abstract
Parallels between designed and biological systems with respect to formal failure analyses have been presented. Failure analysis in designed systems depends on an identified, limited set of parameters or operation variables with high predictive value. In contrast, the biological systems pose problems in identification of operation variables and the identified variables may not be accurate predictors of failure. The difficulty in parameter identification is because of large numbers of components and the inability to envelope variables at each compartment or contour level. Contour level maps for biological systems are currently non-existent, and most failure models are based on very limited, unilateral operation variables (a mutant gene). Operation variable identification within each contour level will enhance failure analyses of complex biological systems.
