Reliability is a multifaceted concept that can be defined in several ways depending on the context. In general, reliability refers to the probability that a product, system, or service will perform its intended function adequately for a specified period of time under stated conditions without failure. This definition encompasses several key components:
Probability of Success: Reliability is often expressed as a probability, indicating the likelihood that a system or component will function correctly.
Intended Function: The specific purpose or function that the product or system is designed to perform.
Satisfactory Performance: The system must perform according to predefined specifications and standards.
Specified Period of Time: The duration over which the system is expected to perform reliably, which could be measured in hours, cycles, or other units of time.
Specified Conditions: The environmental and operational conditions under which the system must perform, such as temperature, pressure, or load conditions[1][2][7].
In the field of reliability engineering, reliability is closely related to other concepts such as availability, maintainability, and durability. Availability refers to the ability of a system to be in a state to perform its required function at a given point in time, while maintainability is the ease with which a system can be maintained to ensure it continues to function correctly. Durability, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a system to withstand wear, pressure, or damage[2][3][15].
Reliability engineering involves various techniques and methodologies to predict, prevent, and manage failures. These include failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis (RCA), reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and statistical methods such as ...
