Which of the following is a common question to ask for an FTA?

In Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), one of the primary objectives is to identify and analyze the causes of system failures in a structured manner. Asking about the most likely cause of failure is directly aligned with this goal, as FTA focuses on understanding how different events contribute to a failure. This process involves deconstructing complex systems to pinpoint root causes, enabling engineers and reliability practitioners to develop effective strategies for mitigating risks and improving system reliability.

While the other options, while still relevant to reliability engineering, serve different purposes. For instance, discussing costs associated with failure pertains more to economic analysis rather than the fault analysis itself. Considering maintenance schedules relates to operational aspects, and determining needed materials for repairs focuses on logistics and supply chain management rather than the causes of failures. Collectively, these topics are important but do not specifically target the core function of FTA, which is fundamentally about understanding failure mechanisms. Therefore, the inquiry regarding the most likely cause of failure is the most relevant and aligns perfectly with the objectives of FTA.