The Shapes toolbar contains the block shapes used to represent components in the System Diagram. Add block shapes to the System Diagram by clicking the icon for the block shape and dragging it onto the System Diagram. The Shapes toolbar includes the following block shape icons:

Adds a single block shape that represents a single component.

Adds a series block shape that represents a group of identical components that are connected in series. All of the components must be functional for the block to remain functional.

Adds a parallel block shape that represents a group of identical components that are connected in parallel. At least one of the components must be functional for the block to remain functional.

Adds a k-out-of-n block shape that represents a group of n identical components that are connected in parallel. At least k of the n components must be functional for the block to remain functional.

Adds a standby block shape that represents a group of n identical components that are connected in parallel. Only k components are active, or performing work in the system. The remaining inactive components act as standby components that are activated when any of the k active components fail. The block must have at least k functional and activated components for the block to remain functional.

Adds a stress sharing block shape that represents n identical components that are connected in parallel. Components fail one at a time, and remaining components fail at a quicker rate. The block must have at least one functional component and the block must successfully reallocate stress across remaining components for the block to remain functional.

Adds a knot block shape that represents a combination of the block shapes that point to the knot. At least a specified number of the block shapes that point to the knot must be functional for the knot to remain functional.

For information about the settings available for block shapes, see Configuration Panel.