Reliability Analysis Using MINITAB and Python

1 Introduction

Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives

• To understand the importance of the field of reliability in modern society.
• To learn the history and motivation of the field of reliability.
• To understand the definitions of reliability and failure.
• To explore several causes of failures.
• To understand different types of failure time.
• To learn the concept of the reliability bathtub curve.

1.1 Reliability Concepts

1.1.1 Reliability in Our Lives

In modern society, we rely on various complex and advanced devices and systems to enjoy convenience and enhance our lives. For example, autonomous vehicles allow drivers to engage in other activities while driving, and advances in space technology have ushered in an era in which civilians can also go to space.

However, advances in technology have some side effects. With the development of technology, the area in which humans can intervene is reduced, and when there is a problem in a system or device, humans can be adversely affected. For example, cars that are being produced these days are often electronic systems that systematically operate the overall functions of the car. If the central computer unit that controls the car breaks down, the driver will be limited in what they can do with it. Autonomous vehicle accidents due to system errors are also occasionally encountered, which can be viewed in a similar context.

With the development of these technologies, the necessity of the reliability field can be felt more acutely. A ...