Reliability Engineering: Design and Process Controls
Introduction
Reliability Engineering is a sub-discipline of systems engineering that emphasizes the ability of equipment to function without failure. It encompasses the methodologies and techniques used to evaluate the dependability in the lifecycle management of a product. Reliability engineering deals with the estimation, prevention and management of high levels of "lifetime" engineering uncertainty and risks of failure.
Design in Reliability Engineering
Reliability engineering is crucial in the design process of a product or system. The primary goal of reliability engineering in design is to evaluate and improve the reliability of the design itself. This is achieved through the use of various design techniques and methods, such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
FMEA is a step-by-step approach for identifying all possible failures in a design, a manufacturing or assembly process, or a product or service. It is a common method in reliability engineering that helps engineers identify potential failure modes based on past experience with similar products or processes.
Fault Tree Analysis
FTA is another method used in reliability engineering. It is a top down, deductive failure analysis in which an undesired state of a system is analyzed using Boolean logic to combine a series of lower-level events. This method is used in the aerospace, nuclear power, chemical and process, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and other high-hazard industries; but is also used in fields as diverse as risk factor identification relating to social service system failure.
Process Controls in Reliability Engineering
Process controls are an integral part of reliability engineering. They involve the design, implementation, and supervision of controls for managing the processes involved in production. These controls help to maintain the reliability and quality of the products or systems being produced.
Statistical Process Control
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method used in reliability engineering for controlling quality during the manufacturing process. SPC uses statistical methods to monitor and control a process to ensure that it operates at its full potential.
Reliability Centered Maintenance
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a process control method that is used to determine the maintenance requirements of any physical asset in its operating context. RCM is used to create a cost-effective maintenance strategy to address dominant causes of machine or system failure. It is a major aspect of reliability engineering.
Conclusion
Reliability engineering is a critical aspect of systems engineering that focuses on the dependability and functionality of a product or system. It involves the use of various design techniques and process controls to improve and maintain the reliability and quality of a product or system. The primary goal of reliability engineering is to prevent or reduce the likelihood of failure, increase the reliability of the product or system, and improve safety.