The Final Product

Abstract

A good reliability engineer should have at least a background knowledge of statistics and probability theory. Starting from this background knowledge, this book attempts to provide the basic tools and methods for the practising engineer. There is an understandable tendency for the reliability engineer to become obsessed with numbers. After some considerable effort in identifying failure modes and calculating predicted MTTFs, he (and those he reports to) may feel that because his predictions are ‘within specification’ then the end product must be satisfactory. But the conscientious engineer will always try to remember that the goal is to produce a ‘good’ product. This goal (as seen by the buyer) is well defined by Mr G. E. Corner, Director of Reliability in the UK, Ministry of Defence (Coderm Newsletter Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1990, published by the Coderm Secretariat, Archway South, Old Admiralty Building, Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BE):

‘Work on reliability is sometimes seen as being closely allied to mathematics and statistics. Although the numbers are important, they are only a means to an end. The object is to procure equipment which has been well designed and manufactured, which works and goes on working. Should it fail, it must be easily repaired.’