Reliability prediction procedures for mechanical components at the design stage

Abstract

This paper reports progress towards the development of procedures and techniques for assessing the reliability of components at the design stage. From a fundamental understanding of the degradation and failure processes and their relation to the underlying operational, environmental, materials and design variables, the paper develops procedures to support reliability prediction of mechanical devices using an electro-mechanical actuator as a case study. The methodology is illustrated by particular reference to the process of sliding wear leading to jamming of the actuator.