Reliability Engineering

Reliability engineering is the field of engineering and it deals with the study of reliability. Within the specified period of time, the ability of the component or system to perform its required functions under stated conditions is referred as probability.

Overview

A reliability engineer merely depends on statics, probability theory, and reliability theory. Reliability engineering encompasses lot of engineering techniques, such as reliability prediction, Weibull analysis, thermal management, reliability testing and accelerated life testing.

The function of reliability engineering is to enhance the reliability requirements for the product, establish an ample reliability program, and perform correct analysis and tasks to ensure the product will meet its requirement. Maintainability engineering and logistics engineering are closely linked with the reliability engineering. By making use of reliability engineering techniques, many problems from other fields, such as security engineering can also be approached.

Reliability Theory

It is the basis of the reliability engineering. In term of engineering purposes, reliability is defined as the probability, i.e. within the specified time period the device will perform its planned or intended function under stated conditions.

Key elements of reliability engineering

The four key elements, that reliability engineering is concerned are,

• The reliability is a probability. This means the failure is said to be random phenomenon i.e. recurring event. Reliability engineering is worried with meeting the specified probability of success, at a specified statistical confidence level.
• Reliability is predicated on intended or planned functions. This is taken generally to mean the operation without failure. If the individual part of the system is not failed, but as the system of whole does not function as it was intended, then it is still charged against the system reliability.
• Reliability applies to the specified period of time. In terms of practical, it means that a system has a chance that will operate without failure before time. Reliability engineering will make sure that the components and materials will surely meet the requirements during the specified time. Sometimes, unit other than time may be used. The automotive industry will specify reliability in miles. The military industry might specify the reliability of gun for the certain number of rounds fired.
• The reliability is restricted to operation under stated conditions. It is impossible to design the systems for unlimited conditions, so this restriction is necessary. 

Questions:

• What is reliability engineering?
• What is reliability theory?