Modeling and analysing system failure behaviour using RCA, FMEA and NHPPP models
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 29 May 2007
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to permit system reliability analysts/managers/practitioners/engineers to analyse system failure behaviour more consistently and plan suitable maintenance actions accordingly.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopted three important tools, namely, root cause analysis (RCA), failure mode effect analysis (FMEA), and non‐homogeneous Poisson point process (NHPPP), to build an integrated and helpful framework, able to facilitate the maintenance managers in decision making. The factors contributing to system unreliability were analysed using RCA and FMEA. The failure data related to the components are modelled using NHPPP models and are used to optimise maintenance decisions (repair or replacements) based on cost dimensions.
Findings
The paper finds that the in‐depth analysis of a system using RCA and FMEA helps to create a knowledge base to deal with problems related to process/product unreliability. From the results it is observed that NHPPP models adequately analyse time‐dependent rate of occurrence of failures. Thus, assisting the maintenance analyst in development of suitable maintenance strategy by properly understanding the mechanism of failure (through modeling of failure data); adopting adequate aging management actions (such as predictive or periodic testing) to predict or detect the degradation of components; and performing cost analysis.
Originality/value
The contemporaneous adoption of the three proposed techniques for failure analysis will help system reliability engineers/managers/practitioners not only to understand the failure behaviour of component(s) in the system, but also to plan/adapt suitable maintenance practices to improve system reliability and availability.
Keywords
Citation
Sharma, R.K., Kumar, D. and Kumar, P. (2007), "Modeling and analysing system failure behaviour using RCA, FMEA and NHPPP models", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 525-546. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710710748385
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited