Accendo Reliability

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SOR 685 Demonstration Testing

SOR 685 Demonstration Testing

Demonstration Testing

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss the whole idea of ‘demonstration testing’ … and how it may be ‘chronically’ overused or at least misunderstood. Heard of ‘demonstration testing’ and need to learn more?
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SOR 619 Is Testing The Only Way to Confirm Reliability

SOR 619 Is Testing The Only Way to Confirm Reliability

Is Testing The Only Way to Confirm Reliability

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how we confirm the reliability of something we are making. Or maintaining. Or managing. This is in response to someone raising a question regarding reliability allocation – based on an Accendo webinar. And the question was all about working out how to test that we are on track to meet goals allocated to subsystems and components. So what do we do? Well listen to this podcast!
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SOR 547 When and Why Around Assumptions

SOR 547 When and Why Around Assumptions

When and Why Around Assumptions

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss assumptions – and when you need to check if they are valid. And if you do need to … how do you check these assumptions? Reliability (and all sorts of other engineers) need to study variation and variance. We are often interested in when the first ‘5 percent’ of things will fail. So assumptions on the underlying failure (or random) process are crucial. Sound familiar? Listen to this podcast to learn more.
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SOR 458 Testing in the Flat Part of the Curve

SOR 458 Testing in the Flat Part of the Curve

Testing in the Flat Part of the Bathtub Curve

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss the question posed to us by one of our listeners regarding the ‘flat’ bottom of the ‘bathtub curve.’ Just a bit of background – the ‘bathtub curve’ represents the hazard rate of a system. That is, it helps us understand the probability that a product that works ‘now’ will fail. The ‘flat’ part of the curve is often cited as the ‘random’ part of the curve where failure is caused by environmental overstress conditions. So how do we test for this part of the curve? … but hang on – is the ‘bathtub curve’ even a thing? Is it even relevant for the useful life of a product? If this intrigues you, listen to this podcast!
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SOR 445 High Temperature Environmental or Reliability Testing

SOR 445 High Temperature Environmental or Reliability Testing

High Temperature Environmental or Reliability Testing

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss the difference between ‘environmental’ and ‘reliability’ testing … but is there a difference? This question was raised by one of our listeners – which means this is a topical question. A question that could apply to you. Now some may seem that we are dodging the question in this podcast – because we think it is all about intent and not a category. That is – every test should be an experiment. It should be constructed to answer a question, or provide information for a specific decision. And once you focus on the information you are trying to provide – what is the point in classifying something as ‘environmental’ versus ‘reliability’ testing? Each test could conceivably be neither, one, or both. Listen to this podcast if you want to learn more.
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SOR 436 Is Testing Always Necessary?

SOR 436 Is Testing Always Necessary?

Is Testing Always Necessary?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what happens when you have failure … but don’t know why. This is a challenging problem that most reliability engineers will face throughout their career. You will always need to use an objective, structured and strategic approach. And you will often find that a lot of information is at your fingertips – you may be able to create a very short list of candidate root causes without having to test. Effort without direction won’t solve problems. If you want to learn more about solving this really challenging problems, then listen to this podcast.
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SOR 367 Dealing with the Occurrence of Failure

SOR 367 Dealing with the Occurrence of Failure

Dealing with the Occurrence of Failure

Abstract

Chris and Fred discussing how different organizations deal with failures. Failures are a ‘bad’ thing in that a system doesn’t do what you hoped it would. But what about failures that occur during the design or production process? This is different. If you have scope to improve your system, then failures that you can analyze in a laboratory or test bed are invaluable. They, more than any other event, will help you understand the vulnerabilities of your system. And you must actively seek vulnerability to improve reliability. But if you are looking for failures, you must first admit that your system is vulnerable. And that is difficult for many people to do.
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