Maintenance Models

We all agree that the failure intensity or the frequency can be reduced by employing suitable and timely actions. This is possible if the area that is causing more loss or disturbance to the production is identified. At the same time one should remember that it should be cost effective, therefore it must first be decided whether it is worthwhile to study. After identifying the area of study, it is important to lay down a path and method of study and analysis.

The next objective is to fit a theoretical distribution to a random sample of failure or repair data, i.e. to perform a statistical test in order to accept or reject the hypothesis that the observed times come from a specified distribution. Now we discuss the procedures for identifying and specifying candidate distributions for fitting the data. This unit outline the procedure to reliability models and a few Goodness-of-fit tests available for conducting the testing of hypothesis. The particular probability distributions addressed include the Exponential, Weibull, Normal and Lognormal.

Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to

• Identify, collect relevant data and analyze a problem related to reliability of the equipment,
• Conduct trend analysis and examine various reliability centered maintenance models for fitting the data,
• Conduct a goodness of fit test and confirm the distribution of failure patterns,
• Suggest a suitable maintenance policy/strategy and schedules based on the analysis, and
• Design and assign the reliability characteristics.