When to do Monte Carlo Simulation (… and what is it)?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss when you should do this thing called Monte Carlo simulation? … in fact … what is it?
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Many Ways to Estimate Reliability

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how we can go about estimating reliability … especially when you don’t have a lot of data, experience or other things that textbooks say you need to have to estimate reliability?
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Lifespan of an FMEA

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question about what is called a “living FMEA.” Is this a good idea? How is it done?
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RCM and FMEAs

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question on FMEAs that involve maintenance. Specifically, can a Design FMEA have causes that are maintenance related?
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Details and Plans

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss why and how the triple constraints of a project: schedule, cost, and scope variances result in risks that can result in project failure.

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Plug and Pray

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss why engineers plug numbers into a formula not really knowing why or what they are doing.  At best, this is called ‘plug and play.’  At worst, this is called ‘plug and pray’ the formula works.

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Bad History Challenge

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss how to deal with those who have said that they tried using the HALT methodology with a past project but did not find any benefit from it.
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Cycles or Time

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss whether we should use time or number of cycles or total time a product has been available for use.
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Creating Reliability Awareness

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how to help me, you and the people around us more aware of reliability (and reliability engineering)? Good question!
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Required to Use MIL-HDBK 217?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss Military Handbook 217 Version F for the ‘Reliability Prediction of Electronic Equipment’ or MIL-HDBK 217F … and why being forced to use it is borderline evil.
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Using DFR Tools

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss using Design for Reliability (DFR) for reliability development of a new product.
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Using Outside Labs

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss the use and tradeoffs of using external environmental testing and failure analysis labs versus having in-house equipment
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Dealing with Data

Abstract

Philip and Fred discuss the first basic steps when confronted with a pile of data.

• What do you do with a stack of data – can you make any sense of this – please? Can you believe the analysis results?
• Designing systems to capture the data you need, not the data you have. 🙂
• How do you work with less than perfect failure information?
• What happens when we mix end of life data with functional failure data – when do we “informatively censor” and how do we treat this type of data?
• Interwoven life renewal data and asset failure – how do we “see” missing data?
• Deploying the Reliability Performance Index (RpK) – how to adapt Statistical Process Control topics (SPC) Reliability.
• What is Integrated Process Control (IPC), Key Input Variables (KIV) and Key Output Variables (KOV)?
• What is an Asset failure? How to manage data from our CMMS or ERP system – how to deal with data sets with only replacement events?
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Consumable Product Reliability

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how to approach reliability objectives and testing for consumable elements of a product or system.
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Assumptions and Analysis

Abstract

Philip and Fred discuss a fundamental element of all statistical analysis.
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