Reliability Engineering:

Introduction – Defining Reliability: Standards of Performance

Standards of Performance is used to determine if a failure has occurred.

Example 1

Definition of Failure varies with the point of view

Leakage of Lubricating Oil

Copyright © 2009 Albert Tsang. -1- Last Update: 11/7/2009

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Example 2

A Filling System

Examples of Performance Standard for the Filling System

1. To remove particles of size >20 mm before entering intermediate tank

o Usually the system does not fail purely only because of having big particles in it.
o In this case, only a Partial Loss of Function occurs. However, over a longer
period of time, this situation may lead to Total Loss of Function.
2. To transport fluid to intermediate tank at a minimum flow rate of 200 liters/min
o If no fluid is transported to the tank, it is classified as a Total Loss of Function.
o If a fluid flows into the tank at a rate of 100 liters/min, a Partial Loss of
Function occurs.
3. To keep level in intermediate tank between 12,000 and 30,000 liters
o If the stated quantities are exceeded or run short, a Partial Loss of Function
occurs.
o If no fluid is stored in the tank or if it overflows, it is classified as a Total Loss of
Function.

Copyright © 2009 Albert Tsang. -2- Last Update: 11/7/2009

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Loss of Function

• A Total Loss of Function occurs when an item stops working altogether

• A Partial Loss of Function occurs when an item fails to achieve a specified performance
standard

Copyright © 2009 Albert Tsang. -3- Last Update: 11/7/2009

All Rights Reserved.