The book begins with an introduction to the topic of reliability and thorough definitions and explainations of basic concepts relating to the topic, such as functions, functional requirements, failures, failure modes, failure mechanisms, reliability, and dependability. Subsequent chapters go on to explore the essential quantitative methods as well as qualitative practices and techniques that are essential for practitioners. The concept of random lifetimes (time-to-failure) is introduced, with descriptions of exponential, Weibull, and lognormal distributions. Reliability metrics including survivor function, failure rate function, MTTF, MTBF, MRL, availability (point/average), and probability of failure on demand (PFD) are discussed. A unique chapter supplies a survey of a reliability management program from the designer’s/producer’s point of view and discusses a typical system development process along with the various methods and concepts, such as design for reliability and concurrent engineering, that should be utilized in each phase of the process. Challenges and issues resulting from the cutting-edge nature of the topic are discussed, such as software reliability assessment and challenges encountered when this software causes system failures. The handbook also addresses the growing popularity of technology qualification programs (TQPs) across many industries and their relationship to procedures as outlined in DNV RP A203, the Technology readiness levels (TRL) of NASA and a combination of these. Throughout the book, the author provides a specification of reliability requirements, addressing questions relating to international standards and outlining available approaches to reliability specification. Additional topics of coverage include life distributions, system structure functions, safety barrier assessment,safety integrity verification, Reliability block diagrams, reliability allocation, and reliability and product warranties, petri nets, fault tree analysis, and failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis.
