System reliability modeling

Abstract

In Chap. 3, we have seen the approach and methodology for component reliability modeling. However, the aim of any reliability analysis is to model a system and complete a plant in an integrated manner so that decisions can be made using insights available at the system level and lower down at the component level. Even at the component level, reliability modeling may require an understanding of various operational states and associated failure modes. The analysis may require assessment of the probability of a component in more than one state or condition. For example, analysis of an electronic module may require, apart from the module’s operating state and failed state, the probability of detection and location. Reliability modeling may require modeling for contribution of repair to arrive at statement of system unavailability. Hence, characterization of the reliability of basic components or subsystems depends on the objective function and aim of the analysis.