Reliability, Maintainability and Risk, 9th Edition

Chapter 4

Realistic Failure Rates and Prediction Confidence

Abstract

This chapter outlines and compares numerous published sources of failure rate data. It explains the factors which lead to widely differing data values and introduces the idea and need for data ranges. The relationship between predicted reliability and the eventual field data is explored and the results of researches are given. The inevitable optimism of supplier based failure rate claims is emphasised.

Keywords

Data

generic

industry-specific

site-specific

ranges

geometric mean

manufacturer’s

warranty

4.1. Data Accuracy

There are several sources of failure rate data compiled by defense, telecommunications, process industries, oil and gas and other organizations. Some are published ...