Description

Book Synopsis
Introduction to Reliability Engineering

A complete revision of the classic text on reliability engineering, written by an expanded author team with increased industry perspective

Introduction to Reliability Engineering provides a thorough and well-balanced overview of the fundamental aspects of reliability engineering and describes the role of probability and statistical analysis in predicting and evaluating reliability in a range of engineering applications. Covering both foundational theory and real-world practice, this classic textbook helps students of any engineering discipline understand key probability concepts, random variables and their use in reliability, Weibull analysis, system safety analysis, reliability and environmental stress testing, redundancy, failure interactions, and more.

Extensively revised to meet the needs of today's students, the Third Edition fully reflects current industrial practices and provides a wealth of new examples and

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Reliability Defined

1.2 Performance, Cost and Reliability

1.3 Quality, Reliability and Safety Linkage

1.4 Quality, Reliability and Safety Engineering Tasks

1.5 Preview

2 PROBABILITY AND DISCRETE DISTRIBUTIONS

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Probability Concepts

Sample Space

Outcome

Event

Probability Axioms

More than two events

Combinations and Permutations

2.3 Discrete Random Variables

Properties of Discrete Variables

The Binomial Distribution

The Poisson Distribution

Confidence Intervals

Motivation for Confidence Intervals

Introduction to Confidence Intervals

Binomial Confidence Intervals

Cumulative sums of the Poisson Distribution (Thorndike Chart)

3 Exponential Distribution and Reliability Basics

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Reliability Characterization

Basic definitions

The Bathtub curve

3.3 Constant Failure Rate model

The Exponential Distribution

Demand failures

Time determinations

3.4 Time Dependent Failure rates

3.5 Component Failures and Failure Modes

Failure mode rates

Component counts

3.6 Replacements

3.7 Redundancy

Active and Standby Redundancy

Active Parallel

Standby Parallel

Constant Failure Rate Models

3.8 Redundancy limitations

Common-mode failures

Load sharing

Switching & Standby failures

Cool, Warm and Hot Standby

3.9 Multiply Redundant Systems

1/N Active Redundancy

1/N Standby Redundancy

m/N Active Redundancy

3.10 Redundancy Allocation

High and Low level redundancy

Fail-safe and Fail-to-Danger

Voting Systems

3.11 Redundancy in Complex Configurations

Serial-Parallel configurations

Linked configurations

4 Continuous Distributions- Part 1 Normal & Related Distributions

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Properties of Continuous Random variables

Probability Distribution Functions

Characteristics of a Probability Distribution

Sample Statistics

Transformation of Variables

4.3 Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function

4.4 Uniform Distribution

4.5 Normal and Related Distributions

The Normal Distribution

Central Limit Theorem

The Central Limit Theorem in Practice

The Log Normal Distribution

Log Normal Distribution from a Physics of Failure Perspective

4.6 Confidence Intervals

Point & Interval Estimates

Estimate of the Mean

Normal & Lognormal parameters

5 Continuous Distributions- Part 2 Weibull & Extreme Value Distributions

5.1 Introduction

The “weakest link” theory from a Physics of Failure point of view

Uses of Weibull and Extreme Value Distributions

Other Considerations

Age parameters and sample sizes

Engineering Changes, Maintenance Plan Evaluation and Risk Prediction

Weibulls with cusps or curves

System Weibulls

No failure Weibulls

Small sample Weibulls

5.2 Statistics of the Weibull Distribution

Weibull “Mathematics”

The Weibull Probability Plot

Probability Plotting Points—Median Ranks

How to do a “Weibull Analysis”

Weibull plots and their estimates of b, h

The 3-Parameter Weibull didn’t work, what are my choices?

The data has a “dogleg” bend or cusp when plotted on Weibull paper.

Steep Weibull slopes (β’s) may hide problems.

Low Time Failures and close Serial numbers---Batch problems

Maximum Likelihood Estimates of β and η

Weibayes Analysis

Weibayes background

Weibull Analysis with failure times only and unknown times on remaining population

Shifting Weibull Procedure

Confidence bounds and the Weibull Distribution

Arbitrary Censored Data

The Weibull Distribution in a System of Independent failure modes

5.3 Extreme Value Distributions

Smallest & Largest Extreme Value distributions

Extreme Value and Weibull Distribution Point Estimates & Confidence Intervals

5.4 Introduction to Risk analysis

Risk Analysis “Mathematics”

Supplement 1- Weibull derived from weakest link theory

Supplement 2: Comparing two distributions using Supersmith™

6 RELIABILITY TESTING

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Attribute Testing (Binomial Testing)

The Classical Success Run

Zero Failure Attribute Tests

Non-ZERO Failure Attribute Tests

6.3 Constant Failure Rate Estimates

Censoring on the Right

MTTF Estimates

Confidence Intervals

6.4 Weibull Substantiation and Reliability Testing

Zero-Failure Test Plans for Substantiation Testing

Weibull Zero-Failure test Plans for Reliability Testing

Designing the Test Plan

Total Test Time

Why not Simply Test to Failure?

6.5 How to Reduce Test Time

Run (simultaneously) more test samples than you intend to fail

Sudden Death Testing

Sequential Testing

6.6 Normal & Lognormal Reliability Testing

6.7 Accelerated Life Testing

Compressed Time Testing

Advanced Stress Testing-Linear & Acceleration Models

Linear Model Stress testing

Advanced Stress Testing – Acceleration Models

The Arrhenius Model

The Inverse Power Law Model

Other Acceleration Models

6.8 Reliability Enhancement Procedures

Reliability Growth Modeling & Testing

Calculation of Reliability Growth parameters

Goodness of Fit tests for Reliability Growth Models

Environmental Stress Screening

What “Screens” are used for ESS?

Thermal cycling

Random Vibration

Other Screens

Highly Accelerated Life Tests

Highly Accelerated Stress Screening

Supplement 1 Substantiation Testing: Characteristic Life multipliers for Zero failure Test at 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% Confidence

Supplement 2 Substantiation Testing Tables for Zero failure Test at 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% Confidence

Supplement 3 CRITICAL VALUES FOR CRAMER-VON MISES GOODNESS-OF-FIT TEST

Supplement 4 Other Reliability Growth Models

Supplement 5 Chi-Square Table

7 Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) – Design & Process

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Functional FMEA

7.3 Design FMEA

Design FMEA Procedure

7.4 Process FMEA(PFMEA)

7.5 FMEA Summary

FMEA Outputs

FMEA Pitfalls that can be prevented

Supplement 1 Shortcut tables for stalled FMEA Teams

Supplement 2 Future changes in FMEA Approaches

Supplement 3 DFMEA and PFMEA Forms

8 LOADS, CAPACITY, AND RELIABILITY

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Reliability with a Single Loading

Load Application

Definitions

8.3 Reliability and Safety Factors

Normal Distributions

Lognormal Distributions

Combined Distributions

8.4 Repetitive Loading

Loading Variability

Variable Capacity

8.5 The Bathtub Curve—Reconsidered

Single Failure Modes

Combined Failure Modes

Supplement 1: The Dirac Delta Distribution

9 MAINTAINED SYSTEMS

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Preventive Maintenance

Idealized Maintenance

Imperfect Maintenance

Redundant Components

9.3 Corrective Maintenance

Availability

Maintainability

9.4 Repair: Revealed Failures

Constant Repair Rates

Constant Repair Times

9.5 Testing and Repair: Unrevealed Failures

Idealized Periodic Tests

Real Periodic Tests

9.6 System Availability

Revealed Failures

Unrevealed Failures

10 FAILURE INTERACTIONS

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Markov Analysis

Two Independent Components

Load-Sharing Systems

10.3 Reliability with Standby Systems

Idealized System

Failures in the Standby State

Switching Failures

Primary System Repair

10.4 Multicomponent Systems

Multicomponent Markov Formulations

Combinations of Subsystems

10.5 Availability

Standby Redundancy

Shared Repair Crews

Markov Availability-Advantages & Disadvantages

11 SYSTEM SAFETY ANALYSIS

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Product and Equipment Hazards

11.3 Human Error

Routine Operations

Emergency Operations

11.4 Methods of Analysis

Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

Event Trees

11.5 Fault Trees

Fault-Tree Construction

Nomenclature

Fault Classification

Fault Tree Examples

Direct Evaluation of Fault Trees

Qualitative Evaluation

Quantitative Evaluation

Fault-Tree Evaluation by Cut Sets

Qualitative Analysis

Quantitative Analysis

11.6 Reliability/Safety Risk Analysis

APPENDICES

A USEFUL MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIPS

B BINOMIAL CONFIDENCE CHARTS

C STANDARD NORMAL CDF

D NONPARAMETRIC METHODS AND PROBABILITY PLOTTING

D1 Introduction

D2 Nonparametric Methods for Probability Plotting

D3 Parametric Methods

D4 Goodness-of-Fit

Supplement 1 Further Details of Weibull Probability plotting

Supplement 2 Median Rank adjustment for SUSPENDED TEST ITEMS

Supplement 3 Generating a Probability Plot in MINITAB

ANSWERS TO ODD-NUMBERED EXERCISES

INDEX

Introduction to Reliability Engineering

Product form

£108.86

Includes FREE delivery

RRP £120.95 – you save £12.09 (9%)

Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 27 Dec 2025.

A Hardback by James E. Breneman, Chittaranjan Sahay, Elmer E. Lewis

15 in stock


    View other formats and editions of Introduction to Reliability Engineering by James E. Breneman

    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
    Publication Date: 22/04/2022
    ISBN13: 9781119640561, 978-1119640561
    ISBN10: 1119640563

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    Introduction to Reliability Engineering

    A complete revision of the classic text on reliability engineering, written by an expanded author team with increased industry perspective

    Introduction to Reliability Engineering provides a thorough and well-balanced overview of the fundamental aspects of reliability engineering and describes the role of probability and statistical analysis in predicting and evaluating reliability in a range of engineering applications. Covering both foundational theory and real-world practice, this classic textbook helps students of any engineering discipline understand key probability concepts, random variables and their use in reliability, Weibull analysis, system safety analysis, reliability and environmental stress testing, redundancy, failure interactions, and more.

    Extensively revised to meet the needs of today's students, the Third Edition fully reflects current industrial practices and provides a wealth of new examples and

    Table of Contents

    1 INTRODUCTION

    1.1 Reliability Defined

    1.2 Performance, Cost and Reliability

    1.3 Quality, Reliability and Safety Linkage

    1.4 Quality, Reliability and Safety Engineering Tasks

    1.5 Preview

    2 PROBABILITY AND DISCRETE DISTRIBUTIONS

    2.1 Introduction

    2.2 Probability Concepts

    Sample Space

    Outcome

    Event

    Probability Axioms

    More than two events

    Combinations and Permutations

    2.3 Discrete Random Variables

    Properties of Discrete Variables

    The Binomial Distribution

    The Poisson Distribution

    Confidence Intervals

    Motivation for Confidence Intervals

    Introduction to Confidence Intervals

    Binomial Confidence Intervals

    Cumulative sums of the Poisson Distribution (Thorndike Chart)

    3 Exponential Distribution and Reliability Basics

    3.1 Introduction

    3.2 Reliability Characterization

    Basic definitions

    The Bathtub curve

    3.3 Constant Failure Rate model

    The Exponential Distribution

    Demand failures

    Time determinations

    3.4 Time Dependent Failure rates

    3.5 Component Failures and Failure Modes

    Failure mode rates

    Component counts

    3.6 Replacements

    3.7 Redundancy

    Active and Standby Redundancy

    Active Parallel

    Standby Parallel

    Constant Failure Rate Models

    3.8 Redundancy limitations

    Common-mode failures

    Load sharing

    Switching & Standby failures

    Cool, Warm and Hot Standby

    3.9 Multiply Redundant Systems

    1/N Active Redundancy

    1/N Standby Redundancy

    m/N Active Redundancy

    3.10 Redundancy Allocation

    High and Low level redundancy

    Fail-safe and Fail-to-Danger

    Voting Systems

    3.11 Redundancy in Complex Configurations

    Serial-Parallel configurations

    Linked configurations

    4 Continuous Distributions- Part 1 Normal & Related Distributions

    4.1 Introduction

    4.2 Properties of Continuous Random variables

    Probability Distribution Functions

    Characteristics of a Probability Distribution

    Sample Statistics

    Transformation of Variables

    4.3 Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function

    4.4 Uniform Distribution

    4.5 Normal and Related Distributions

    The Normal Distribution

    Central Limit Theorem

    The Central Limit Theorem in Practice

    The Log Normal Distribution

    Log Normal Distribution from a Physics of Failure Perspective

    4.6 Confidence Intervals

    Point & Interval Estimates

    Estimate of the Mean

    Normal & Lognormal parameters

    5 Continuous Distributions- Part 2 Weibull & Extreme Value Distributions

    5.1 Introduction

    The “weakest link” theory from a Physics of Failure point of view

    Uses of Weibull and Extreme Value Distributions

    Other Considerations

    Age parameters and sample sizes

    Engineering Changes, Maintenance Plan Evaluation and Risk Prediction

    Weibulls with cusps or curves

    System Weibulls

    No failure Weibulls

    Small sample Weibulls

    5.2 Statistics of the Weibull Distribution

    Weibull “Mathematics”

    The Weibull Probability Plot

    Probability Plotting Points—Median Ranks

    How to do a “Weibull Analysis”

    Weibull plots and their estimates of b, h

    The 3-Parameter Weibull didn’t work, what are my choices?

    The data has a “dogleg” bend or cusp when plotted on Weibull paper.

    Steep Weibull slopes (β’s) may hide problems.

    Low Time Failures and close Serial numbers---Batch problems

    Maximum Likelihood Estimates of β and η

    Weibayes Analysis

    Weibayes background

    Weibull Analysis with failure times only and unknown times on remaining population

    Shifting Weibull Procedure

    Confidence bounds and the Weibull Distribution

    Arbitrary Censored Data

    The Weibull Distribution in a System of Independent failure modes

    5.3 Extreme Value Distributions

    Smallest & Largest Extreme Value distributions

    Extreme Value and Weibull Distribution Point Estimates & Confidence Intervals

    5.4 Introduction to Risk analysis

    Risk Analysis “Mathematics”

    Supplement 1- Weibull derived from weakest link theory

    Supplement 2: Comparing two distributions using Supersmith™

    6 RELIABILITY TESTING

    6.1 Introduction

    6.2 Attribute Testing (Binomial Testing)

    The Classical Success Run

    Zero Failure Attribute Tests

    Non-ZERO Failure Attribute Tests

    6.3 Constant Failure Rate Estimates

    Censoring on the Right

    MTTF Estimates

    Confidence Intervals

    6.4 Weibull Substantiation and Reliability Testing

    Zero-Failure Test Plans for Substantiation Testing

    Weibull Zero-Failure test Plans for Reliability Testing

    Designing the Test Plan

    Total Test Time

    Why not Simply Test to Failure?

    6.5 How to Reduce Test Time

    Run (simultaneously) more test samples than you intend to fail

    Sudden Death Testing

    Sequential Testing

    6.6 Normal & Lognormal Reliability Testing

    6.7 Accelerated Life Testing

    Compressed Time Testing

    Advanced Stress Testing-Linear & Acceleration Models

    Linear Model Stress testing

    Advanced Stress Testing – Acceleration Models

    The Arrhenius Model

    The Inverse Power Law Model

    Other Acceleration Models

    6.8 Reliability Enhancement Procedures

    Reliability Growth Modeling & Testing

    Calculation of Reliability Growth parameters

    Goodness of Fit tests for Reliability Growth Models

    Environmental Stress Screening

    What “Screens” are used for ESS?

    Thermal cycling

    Random Vibration

    Other Screens

    Highly Accelerated Life Tests

    Highly Accelerated Stress Screening

    Supplement 1 Substantiation Testing: Characteristic Life multipliers for Zero failure Test at 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% Confidence

    Supplement 2 Substantiation Testing Tables for Zero failure Test at 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% Confidence

    Supplement 3 CRITICAL VALUES FOR CRAMER-VON MISES GOODNESS-OF-FIT TEST

    Supplement 4 Other Reliability Growth Models

    Supplement 5 Chi-Square Table

    7 Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) – Design & Process

    7.1 Introduction

    7.2 Functional FMEA

    7.3 Design FMEA

    Design FMEA Procedure

    7.4 Process FMEA(PFMEA)

    7.5 FMEA Summary

    FMEA Outputs

    FMEA Pitfalls that can be prevented

    Supplement 1 Shortcut tables for stalled FMEA Teams

    Supplement 2 Future changes in FMEA Approaches

    Supplement 3 DFMEA and PFMEA Forms

    8 LOADS, CAPACITY, AND RELIABILITY

    8.1 Introduction

    8.2 Reliability with a Single Loading

    Load Application

    Definitions

    8.3 Reliability and Safety Factors

    Normal Distributions

    Lognormal Distributions

    Combined Distributions

    8.4 Repetitive Loading

    Loading Variability

    Variable Capacity

    8.5 The Bathtub Curve—Reconsidered

    Single Failure Modes

    Combined Failure Modes

    Supplement 1: The Dirac Delta Distribution

    9 MAINTAINED SYSTEMS

    9.1 Introduction

    9.2 Preventive Maintenance

    Idealized Maintenance

    Imperfect Maintenance

    Redundant Components

    9.3 Corrective Maintenance

    Availability

    Maintainability

    9.4 Repair: Revealed Failures

    Constant Repair Rates

    Constant Repair Times

    9.5 Testing and Repair: Unrevealed Failures

    Idealized Periodic Tests

    Real Periodic Tests

    9.6 System Availability

    Revealed Failures

    Unrevealed Failures

    10 FAILURE INTERACTIONS

    10.1 Introduction

    10.2 Markov Analysis

    Two Independent Components

    Load-Sharing Systems

    10.3 Reliability with Standby Systems

    Idealized System

    Failures in the Standby State

    Switching Failures

    Primary System Repair

    10.4 Multicomponent Systems

    Multicomponent Markov Formulations

    Combinations of Subsystems

    10.5 Availability

    Standby Redundancy

    Shared Repair Crews

    Markov Availability-Advantages & Disadvantages

    11 SYSTEM SAFETY ANALYSIS

    11.1 Introduction

    11.2 Product and Equipment Hazards

    11.3 Human Error

    Routine Operations

    Emergency Operations

    11.4 Methods of Analysis

    Failure Modes Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

    Event Trees

    11.5 Fault Trees

    Fault-Tree Construction

    Nomenclature

    Fault Classification

    Fault Tree Examples

    Direct Evaluation of Fault Trees

    Qualitative Evaluation

    Quantitative Evaluation

    Fault-Tree Evaluation by Cut Sets

    Qualitative Analysis

    Quantitative Analysis

    11.6 Reliability/Safety Risk Analysis

    APPENDICES

    A USEFUL MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIPS

    B BINOMIAL CONFIDENCE CHARTS

    C STANDARD NORMAL CDF

    D NONPARAMETRIC METHODS AND PROBABILITY PLOTTING

    D1 Introduction

    D2 Nonparametric Methods for Probability Plotting

    D3 Parametric Methods

    D4 Goodness-of-Fit

    Supplement 1 Further Details of Weibull Probability plotting

    Supplement 2 Median Rank adjustment for SUSPENDED TEST ITEMS

    Supplement 3 Generating a Probability Plot in MINITAB

    ANSWERS TO ODD-NUMBERED EXERCISES

    INDEX

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account