Title : Tolerance optimization in assembly stacks based on capable design

Authors : Swift KG. Raines M. Booker JD.

Source: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B-Journal of Engineering Manufacture. 213(7):677-693, 1999.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING PUBLISHING LTD, NORTHGATE AVENUE,, BURY ST
EDMUNDS IP32 6BW, SUFFOLK, ENGLAND. URL: http://www.imeche.org.uk

ISSN 0954-4054

Author Keywords: Tolerance stack. Tolerance allocation. Capable design. Conformability analysis. Fmea.

Abstract:
There is probably no other design effort that can yield greater benefits for less cost than the careful analysis and assignment of tolerances. However, the proper assignment of tolerances is one of the least well understood activities in product engineering. The paper introduces a knowledge-based statistical approach to tolerance allocation, where a
systematic analysis for estimating process capability levels at the design stage is used in conjunction with statistical methods for the optimization of tolerances in assembly stacks. The method takes into account failure severity through linkage with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) for the setting of realistic capability targets. The application of the method is fully illustrated using a case study from the automotive industry through the use of interactive software.

Language : English

Reprint available from: Swift KG. Univ Hull, Sch Engn, Cottingham Rd, Hull HU6 7RX, N Humberside. England

Title : The Design Analysis Re-engineering Tool - for design basis justification and safety related information management

Authors : Billington A. Blondiaux P. Boucau J. Cantineau B. Mared A. Author e-mail Address billington-a-j@notes.westinghouse.com

Source: Nuclear Engineering & Design. 192(2-3):295-302, 1999 Sep.

ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA, PO BOX 564, 1001 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND. URL: http://www.elsevier.nl

ISSN: 0029-5493

Abstract
DART is the acronym for the Design Analysis Re-engineering Tool. It embodies a systematic and integrated approach to NPP safety re-assessment and configuration management, that makes use of reverse failure mode and effect analysis in conjunction with a state-of-the-art relational database and a standardized data format, to permit long-term management of plant safety related information. The plant design is reviewed in a step-by-step logical fashion by constructing fault trees that identify the link between undesired consequences and their causes. Each failure cause identified in a fault tree is addressed by defining functional requirements, which are in turn addressed by documenting the specific manner in which the plant complies with the requirement. The database can then be used to generate up-to-date plant safety related documents, including: SAR, systems descriptions, technical specifications and plant procedures. The approach is open-minded by nature and therefore is not regulatory driven; however, the plant licensing basis is also intended to be reviewed and documented within the same database such that a Regulatory Conformance Program may be integrated with the other safety documentation. This methodology can thus reconstitute the plant design bases in a comprehensive and systematic way, while allowing one to uncover weaknesses in design. The original feature of the DART methodology is that it links all the safety related documents together, facilitating the evaluation of the safety impact resulting from any plant modification. Due to its capability to retrieve the basic justifications of the plant design, it is also a useful tool for training the young generation of plant personnel. The DART methodology has been developed for application to units 2, 3 and 4 at Vattenfall's Ringhals site in Sweden. It may be applied to any nuclear power plant or industrial facility where public safety is a concern. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A.

Number of References : 4

Language : English

Reprint available from: Billington A. Westinghouse Elect Europe, Blvd Paepsem 20, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium.

Title : Design for quality and reliability using expert system and computer spreadsheet

Authors : Liu TI. Yang XM. Author e-mail Address liut@csus.edu

Source: Journal of the Franklin Institute. 336(7):1063-1074, 1999 Sep.

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND. URL: http://www.elsevier.nl

ISSN : 0016-0032

Author Keywords : Design. Quality. Reliability. Expert system. Computer spreadsheet. Robust tolerance design. Fuzzy-logic.

Abstract
For all the products, quality and reliability should be designed in. EASYDFQR, which is a computer package for design for quality and reliability, has been developed. Design engineers can use EASYDFQR to obtain important design guidelines for quality and reliability. EASYDFQR is a PC-based expert system. Its knowledge base contains expertise about quality and reliability, such as reliability models, design approaches, failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA), fault tree analysis (FTA), derating technique, Kaizen, etc. It can integrate with computer spreadsheets making possible tabular design calculations of quality and reliability. It supports computer graphics for the explanation of design guidelines. In addition, design engineers can obtain the knowledge they need via the shortest path using EASYDFQR. In simple words, EASYDFQR is very helpful for product design, (C) 1999 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Number of References : 22
Language : English
Reprint available from: Liu TI. Calif State Univ Sacramento, Dept Mech Engn, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA.

Title : A function-centered framework for reasoning about system failure at multiple levels of abstraction

Authors : Russomanno DJ. Author e-mail Address d-russomanno@memphis.edu

Source : Expert Systems. 16(3):148-169, 1999 Aug.

BLACKWELL PUBL LTD, 108 COWLEY RD, OXFORD OX4 1JF, OXON, ENGLAND. URL: http://www.blackwellpublishers.co.uk

ISSN : 0266-4720

Author Keywords : Computer-assisted fmea. Functional reasoning. Abstract simulation. Simulation.

Abstract
This paper presents the knowledge organization for a simulation subsystem that is a component of a comprehensive expert system for failure modes and effects analysis. Organizing the simulation subsystem's knowledge base around a function-centered ontology produces an architecture that facilitates reasoning about an engineering design at multiple levels of
abstraction and throughout the life-cycle of the design. Moreover, the resulting architecture provides the capability for incorporating computer-aided analysis and design tools early on into the conceptual design of an engineering system before a commitment is made to a specific technology to implement the system's behavior. The result is an expert system simulation knowledge source that can be used to reason about the effects of system failures based on conceptual designs, i.e. designs in
which commitments to an underlying technology to achieve the system's function have nor yet been made bur computer-aided assistance for reasoning about the system's potential failure modes and effects is useful.

Number of References: 29

Language : English

Reprint available from: Russomanno DJ. Univ Memphis, Dept Elect Engn, Herff Coll Engn, Campus Box 526574, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.

Title : Using a failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) to measure diagnostic coverage in programmable electronic systems

Authors : Goble WM. Brombacher AC. Author e-mail Address goble@voicenet.com

Source : Reliability Engineering & System Safety. 66(2):145-148, 1999 Nov.

ELSEVIER SCI LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND. URL: http://www.elsevier.nl

ISSN : 0951-8320

Keywords : Failure modes and effects analysis. Coverage factor. Diagnostic analysis.

Abstract
One of the key issues in the quantitative evaluation of programmable electronic systems is the diagnostic capability of the equipment. This is measured by a parameter called the Coverage Factor, C. This factor can vary widely. The range of possible values is often the subject of great debate. Within limits, the diagnostic coverage factor can be calculated by knowing which component failure modes are detected by diagnostics. An extension of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can be used to show this information. This extension, called a Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostic Analysis can serve as a useful design verification tool as well as a means to provide more precise input to reliability and safety modeling. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 12

Language : English

Reprint available from: Goble WM. Moore Proc Automat Solut, Spring House, PA 19477, USA .

Title : Qualitative circuit models in failure analysis reasoning

Authors : Lee MH. Author e-mail Address mhl@aber.ac.uk

Source : Artificial Intelligence. 111(1-2):239-276, 1999 Jul.

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. URL: http://www.elsevier.nl

ISSN : 0004-3702

Keywords : Qualitative modelling. Failure analysis reasoning. Fmea (failure mode effects analysis). Symbolic electrical circuit simulation. System.

Abstract
The engineering task of failure analysis involves reasoning about the behaviour of a system using appropriate models of system components and structure. This paper describes methods of qualitatively modelling electrical circuits that support the requirements for certain combinatorially demanding forms of failure analysis. Minimal models, based on zero-order quiescent conditions, are examined and a particular formulation, known as CIRQ, is shown to be an effective and efficient
model with strong intuitive features. Theoretical background is given and simulation algorithms are described. These models have been used as the basis for successful failure analysis software packages that solve large-scale real applications involving repeated behaviour inference. The contributions of this work include the development of minimal qualitative circuit models and simulation algorithms, an understanding of their relationship to certain graph-theoretic properties of circuits and the relevance of such models for fault modelling in FMEA tasks. The limitations of the approach are discussed and its relation to other work is examined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 41

Language : English

Reprint available from: Lee MH. Univ Wales, Dept Comp Sci, Aberystwyth SY23 3DB, Dyfed, Wales.

Title : Simulating electrical devices with complex behaviour

Authors Snooke NA. Author e-mail Address nns@aber.ac.uk

Source : AI Communications. 12(1-2):45-59, 1999.

IOS PRESS, VAN DIEMENSTRAAT 94, 1013 CN AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

ISSN : 0921-7126

Keywords : Qualitative simulation. Automotive electrical analysis. Failure mode effects analysis. Circuits.

Abstract
Automotive electrical and electronic systems have become very sophisticated in a relatively short time. This complexity has both led to the increased need for design analysis tools and the need for these tools to deal with more complex components. Qualitative simulation of electrical circuits has proven to be invaluable in the development of several design analysis techniques and the ability to build qualitative models for complex components has become essential to allow effective use of these tools. We have addressed the need to model complex electrical components by developing abstract representations for the behaviour to supplement the qualitative electrical simulation. This development has been carried out in two stages. In the first stage we provide the ability to include dependencies between the electrical activity in one part of a component and the (qualitative) resistance values in another. This approach is known as QCAT (Qualitative Circuit Analysis Tool), an early version of which is documented in [11] and has been implemented in the industrially used FMEA tool, Autosteve. The second stage (QCAT-SB) uses state based descriptions to allow more complex behaviour descriptions including temporal specifications. QCAT-SB will be included in the next release of Autosteve.

Number of References : 12

Language : English

Reprint available from: Snooke NA. Univ Wales, Dept Comp Sci, Aberystwyth SY23 3DB, Ceredigion, Wales.

Title : Web-based failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)

Authors : Huang GQ. Nie M. Mak KL.

Source : Computers & Industrial Engineering. 37(1-2):177-180, 1999 Oct.

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

ISSN : 0360-8352

Keywords : Fmea. Internet intranet. Www. Web. Design tools.

Abstract
This paper presents a prototype computer system that supports FMEA on the Internet. The general procedure of applying the web-based FMEA is as follows. The user, whether in Hong Kong or Mainland China or other parts of the world, uses the web browser to connect the client machine to the FMEA web server which may be located in Hong Kong headquarters or at manufacturing plants in Mainland China. Once connected, the user follows the system instructions and enters the necessary inputs on the appropriate web pages. The inputted data are analysed locally by the client machines or sent to the server for relevant processing. Both inputted data and derived data are stored in a database which may reside in the client machine or the FMEA web server or another networked database server. Hard copies of relevant documents may be generated and printed out as necessary according to the client requests. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 6

Language : English

Reprint available from: Huang GQ. Univ Hong Kong, Dept Ind & Mfg Syst Engn, Pokfulam Rd, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Title : The control of quality in industrial paint and powder coating plant

Authors : Cowley M.

Source : Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing. 77(Part 3):46-49, 1999 May.

INST METAL FINISHING, EXETER HOUSE 48 HOLLOWAY HEAD, BIRMINGHAM B1 1NQ, ENGLAND. URL: http://www.finishing.com/IMF/index.html

ISSN : 0020-2967

Abstract
Engineering organisations have for many years used sophisticated techniques for planning, measuring and the final analysis of finished product performance to meet a zero reject capability. The industrial application of paints, lacquers, varnishes and powders is seldom treated this way except in the larger organisations such as the automotive industry. The result for the small to medium enterprise is excessive costs due to poor planning lack of control and failure to audit the real cause for rejects. This inevitably leads to increased rework and panic production with escalating costs and end user dissatisfaction. The use of FMEA techniques in plant design and pre-production along with SPC techniques in all stages of finishing operations can show great benefits to the applicator.
The paper gives a systematic approach and practical examples of how these and other techniques can be used to plan for improved duality standards. Practical test methods, plant controls and performance audits are discussed as is how their effect can be proved to be a profitable return on investment for organisations faced with meeting increased quality and delivery requirements from their customers.

Number of References : None

Language : English

Reprint available from: Cowley M. Ad Qual Grp, Briantspuddle DT2 7HR, Dorset, England

Title : An integrated probabilistic risk analysis decision support methodology for systems with multiple state variables

Authors : Sen P. Tan JKG. Spencer D.

Source : Reliability Engineering & System Safety. 64(1):73-87, 1999 Apr.

ELSEVIER SCI LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND

ISSN : 0951-8320

Keywords : Probabilistic risk analysis (pra). Boolean representation method (brm). Failure mode, effect and criticality analysis (fmeca). Multiple state variables. Reduction and increased importance measure. Reliability and risk sensitivity analysis. Multiple objective decision making (modm). Reliability optimisation. Interactive step trade-off method (istm). Fault-tree analysis. Reliability optimization. Sensitivity. Objectives. Algorithm. Design.

Abstract
Probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) methods have been proven to be valuable in risk and reliability analysis. However, a weak link seems to exist between methods for analysing risks and those for making rational decisions. The integrated decision support system (IDSS) methodology presented in this paper attempts to address this issue in a practical manner. In consists of three phases: a PRA phase, a risk sensitivity analysis (SA) phase and an optimisation phase, which are implemented through an integrated computer software system. In the risk analysis phase the problem is analysed by the Boolean representation method (BRM), a PRA method that can dear with systems with multiple state variables and feedback loops. In the second phase the results obtained from the BRM are utilised directly to perform importance and risk SA. In the third phase, the problem is formulated as a multiple objective decision making problem in the form of multiple objective reliability optimisation. An industrial example is included. The resultant solutions of a five objective reliability optimisation are presented, on the basis of which rational decision making can be explored. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 29

Language : English

Reprint available from: Tan JKG. Univ Newcastle Upon Tyne, Dept Marine Technol, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, Tyne & Wear, England.

Title : Application of the integrated reliability analysis system (IRAS)

Authors : Kocza G. Bossche A.

Source : Reliability Engineering & System Safety. 64(1):99-107, 1999 Apr.

ELSEVIER SCI LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, OXON, ENGLAND

ISSN : 0951-8320

Keywords : Fault propagation models. Fault tree. Fmeca. Fault tree synthesis.

Abstract
This paper introduces a UNIX-based computer aided reliability assessment system, IRAS, which was developed in the Brite/Euram project BE-4250. It utilises fault propagation models for automatic generation of Fault Trees, Cause-Consequence Diagrams and FMECA. Therefore, it has the following features: a Model Builder which allows the creation of the fault propagation models in a hierarchical manner; a Fault Tree Analysis module that is able to generate Fault Trees on demand and to extract minimal cut sets; an FMECA module that is able to search for and group effects of basic events according to their criticality, severity and probability; a Real Time Fault Location (RTFL) module that enables the fast detection of the most probable cause(s) of system malfunction based on information available from sensors and/or operator. This paper describes the underlying ideas and procedures of IRAS and shows an example application to a Hot Strip Steel Mill. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Number of References : 7

Language : English

Reprint available from: Kocza G. Delft Univ Technol, Fac Elect Engn, 4 Mekelweg, NL-2628 CD Delft, Netherlands.

Last update March 21, 2000