Reading a datasheet to determine a reliability value may take some investigative work. Whenever I see a fit rate based on failure-free testing, I am curious about how they did the testing and the calculations. [Read more…]
Reading a Datasheet
Series System
During design and development, Reliability Engineers often receive reliability parameters in many forms. The most common reliability parameter is the mean time to failure (MTTF), which can also be specified as the failure rate (this is expressed as a frequency or Conditional Probability Density Function (PDF)) or the number of failures during a given period. [Read more…]
Parallel Systems
Speaking reliability-wise, parallel, means any of the elements in parallel structure permit the system to function. This does not mean they are physically parallel (in all cases), as capacitors in parallel provide a specific behavior in the circuit and if one capacitor fails that system might fail.
In this simple drawing, there are n components in parallel and any one component is needed for the system to function. [Read more…]
Weakest Link
Each piece of gear used in rock climbing has the potential to be the weakest link. Often, based on accident reports, it the human decisions or lack of focus that is the most difficult to improve.
Ropes, anchors, harness, and carabiners and another equipment all have to work in the event of a fall. The design of each piece of equipment is to meet and hopefully exceed any possible load. And, to maintain the needed strength over years of harsh outdoor use. [Read more…]