Rebounding is the automatic response to a hazard, returning the system automatically to routine operation.  Examples of rebounding include automatic recovery from an intermittent power failure or communication break, automatic cooling following overheat, automatic slowing down when driving in fog, etc.

Typically, rebounding is employed by applying special resilience add-ons, operative in cases of hazards. For example, excessive pressure in a container may be released by special safety valves.

Secondary risks of rebounding are in situations in which it fails. For example, a pressure release valve might not function when needed (as was the case of the PORV in the TMI accident).

Typically, the resilience add-ons may operate only in case of hazard, and the threat may not be detected in normal operation. Special means should be designed to ensure that the rebounding is functional. The rebounding add-ons should be reliable, and special procedures should be designed to be employed routinely, to enable early fault detection.

Updated on 23 Dec 2016.