This is a textbook that covers both the engineering and management elements of reliable systems. Reliability is an inherently complex field of study, and it is not easy to apply technically or manage practically. This textbook is aimed at both the managers of reliability teams and reliability teams themselves. Many historical catastrophes caused by human-made systems failing are caused by organizational shortcomings. Systems ranging from the Space Shuttle to the Deepwater Horizon did not fail because of a lack of understanding of the physics – they failed because of managerial decisions. So structuring the organization to ensure reliability is as essential as reliability engineering itself.
This textbook also covers the key concepts that reliability engineers need to know to undertake their jobs. It includes sections of probability and statistics (including the Weibull distribution) through to modelling (at both component and system levels). It examines the hardware, software and human domains of systems, and how they need to be considered in combination. It also covers how to assure reliability, and what Design for Reliability (DfR) activities should be employed and when (such as FMECA and RCM).
This book is intended to be a ‘living’ and ‘breathing’ book, continually updated in electronic form to incorporate new and emerging trends in the field.