MEC3800 · Introduction to reliability engineering

Overview

This unit explores the importance of reliability engineering, with emphasis on mechanical systems. It provides an overview of basic statistical analysis and the evaluation and management of the reliability of a system. Additionally, it also provides an overview of product lifecycle management. The following will be studied: • Introduction to reliability engineering • Basic probability and distribution functions • Probability plotting • Reliability and rate of failure • Reliability prediction and modelling • Reliability of mechanical components and systems • Maintainability and availability • Fundamentals of product lifecycle management • Product lifecycle management systems • Deployment of the product lifecycle management system. Reliability is the probability that a system will perform its function over a specified period of time and under specified operating conditions. In reliability engineering, the primary focus is on failures and their prevention. Reliability of a system needs to be addressed at every stage of the system development, including design, manufacturing, testing and maintenance. Processes that make up different phases of the product lifecycle, as well as the general architecture of a product lifecycle management system, will also be discussed.

Areas of study: Minor: Intelligent manufacturing Minor: Semiconductor

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Apply probability and statistical techniques that are essential for analysing reliability
2. Select appropriate tools and techniques for system reliability
3. Evaluate the reliability-based design of mechanical systems
4. Develop a maintenance program for repairable systems
5. Describe the concept of product lifecycle management.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.