Predicting the reliability of mechanical systems is much more complicated than for electrical systems. Part of the trouble is that there are often more uncontrolled variables in mechanical systems. You may find some information on mechanical predictions in the electrical reliability sources, but there won't be much. In addition to the previously mentioned documents, take a look at MIL-HDBK-338 and Telcordia SR-332. My best recommendation is to look for information from groups familiar with mechanical systems. SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers) may have information at their web site. http://www.sae.org/ Use the "search" box at their web site with terms such as "reliability" or "mtbf", and then narrow the search with terms specific to your system. You might find something helpful. Ted Eckert The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
--- On Wed, 10/29/08, Mark Hone <[email protected]> wrote: From: Mark Hone <[email protected]> Subject: Reliability: MTBFs and Probability of Failure To: [email protected] Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 4:15 AM Dear All, I am most embarrassed to say that I can't find in my saved emails or in a search of the EMC-PSTC archives or in Google search, a reference I think I once saw to a Mil Handbook that helps with calculations of MTBFs for mechanical items. I'm sure someone has mentioned it in the same breath as Mil Hdbk 217F. Can someone help me with a reference, please?! And any book recommendations on the subject (preferably titled "The Idiot's Guide to...")? For your interest, we're doing some safety assessments (to IEC 61508) of a new piece of equipment with a view to achieving an appropriate SIL rating. With hopeful regards, Mark -- Mark Hone, HESS Manager Wellman Defence Limited Williams Road Portsmouth, Hampshire PO3 5FP, ENGLAND Tel: +44 (0)23 9266 4911 Tel: +44 (0)23 9262 9239 (Direct) Fax: +44 (0)23 9269 7864 Mobile: +44 (0)7919 047775 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc - This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
