Statistics, Mechanisms, Facilitation

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how statistics, mechanisms, and other technical words that come from ‘reliability engineering’ in contrast to softer terms like ‘facilitation.’ This comes from discussions Chris has had during his Statistical Process Control (SPC) course that he has run previously. So what is the big deal about these words? Well … you can know everything there is to know about statistics and failure mechanisms – but if you can’t make things better then it is all for nothing!
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Common Slope Assumption

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss a ‘common slope assumption’ … which is something that only those of you with reliability engineering experience will have heard about. This is all about what we called ‘accelerated life testing’ where we increase stresses to accelerate failure. And software that is used to model accelerated life testing. Keen to learn more? Listen to this podcast!
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Key Characteristics Revisited

Abstract

Carl and Fred having a new conversation about the age-old topic of key characteristics, and how they are used to improve products and processes.
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Question Everything

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the value of questioning in the process of learning and personal growth. Students and instructors should question each other as part of learning, engineering teams should question each other as part of achieving consensus.
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Obsolescence and Reliability

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing the article Kirk wrote titled “Why the Drain in the Bathtub Curve Matters” (see link in notes) about how technological obsolescence, and not product failures are the cause that cause many products to be retired or replaced.
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Reliability and Testing

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discussing how much of reliability engineering is devoted to testing and what other functions should a reliability engineer do.
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Reliability and Bathtub Curve

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the origin and meaning of the reliability “bathtub” curve, and why it is not useful as a visual analogy.
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FMEAs and HALT

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss the relationship between FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis)  and HALT (Highly Accelerated Limit Test)
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Dealing with HALT Fear

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss misunderstandings of the limit testing and believing it’s “just breaking it”
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Planning a Reliability Program

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the planning that goes into any reliability program.
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Practical Way to Learn Statistics

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss statistics! Yay! And how we can be better at using them in a practical way. And that starts with wanting to learn about statistics. But how do we make that happen?
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Choosing Reliable Suppliers

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what you need to look for when choosing suppliers. The keyword here is the (human) suppliers … not the inanimate supplies!
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Achieving or Calculating Reliability

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss which reliability methods add more value to a project or program: those methods that are centered around calculating reliability or those methods that predominently support achieving reliability.

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