This chapter will first discuss the definitions of the relevant quantities. These definitions depend to some extent on the nature of a product and the specific demands of the user. In addition, based on the definitions, a methodology is given to express reliability and availability in terms of numbers. Further, this chapter provides the statistical background to determine the required redundancy to reach the desired output reliability. That helps to define the optimum maintenance philosophy and the amount of reserve capacity.

Chapter Contents:

• 9.1 Introduction
• 9.2 Definitions
• 9.2.1 Component reliability
• 9.2.2 Operational availability
• 9.2.3 System reliability
• 9.3 Maintenance philosophies
• 9.4 Redundancy
• References
• Further Reading

Inspec keywords: reliability; maintenance engineering

Other keywords: availability; reserve capacity; reliability; statistical background; optimum maintenance philosophy; relevant quantities

Subjects: Plant engineering, maintenance and safety; Reliability