RS 401(C) Training Seminar
Reliability and Life Data Analysis (Condensed)

This two-day session provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject of life data analysis (including Weibull analysis) as it applies to reliability engineering. Training includes an overview of the underlying statistical theory and methods as well as step-by-step guidance on the use of the Weibull++ software package. With attendance at this session, you will master both the subject and the best available software tool for life data analysis.

Course Outline

Day 1

Day 1 provides an introduction to and overview of the fundamentals of life data analysis, including basic concepts and methodologies as they apply to reliability engineering. The theory, assumptions, mathematics and statistics necessary to apply the concepts and methodologies of reliability engineering and life data analysis are covered. Topics include:

Introduction to Reliability Engineering and Life Data Analysis

• What it is and how it is applied

Statistical Theory Background, and Applications

• Basic definitions and concepts
• The most commonly used distributions for product life and their applications
  • 1, 2 and 3-parameter Weibull, mixed Weibull, 1 and 2-parameter exponential, lognormal, normal, generalized gamma
• The most applicable distribution for your data
• Product life data types, presented and defined
  • Complete data, right censored/suspended data, left censored data, interval censored data, grouped data
• Parameter estimation methods and theory
  • Probability plotting, rank regression analysis, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE)
• Confidence bounds determination
  • Fisher matrix, likelihood ratio and beta-binomial bounds

Applying Life Data Analysis

• Tracking a product's reliability and guiding corrective actions through the use of field data
• Predicting number of returns/failures
• Reliability specifications
• Optimum replacement time determination
• Spare parts determination
• Reliability goals, setting and meeting them
• Supplier reliability issues
• Failure behavior assessment and failure mode detection
• Warranty time determination
• Cost projections for in-warranty failures
• Analysis of different failure modes
• Reliability bathtub curves
• Probabilistic design using stress-strength interference
• Examining repairable systems
• Comparing designs, suppliers and data sets

Other Life Data Analysis Tools

• Reliability test design
• Warranty analysis
• Degradation analysis

Day 2

Day 2 begins with an introduction to and familiarization with ReliaSoft's Weibull++ software. As the day progresses, you will be introduced to the intermediate and advanced applications of Weibull++ and apply all the methods and theory covered during Day 1. Topics include:

Weibull++, the Basics

• Overview of Weibull++
• Entering different data types using all possible censoring schemes
• Available statistical distributions
• Available analysis methods
• Creating and using probability plots
• Interpreting the plots
• Using likelihood theory
• Creating likelihood function 3D plots
• Looking at other plots, pdf, failure rate, bathtub curves, etc.
• Determining burn-in times
• Using confidence bounds
• Annotating and customizing the plots and graphs
• Using ReliaSoft Draw to create outstanding graphics
• Using multiple data sheets in one folio
• Plotting multiple data sets
• Using the Auto Group feature
• Obtaining results using the Quick Calculation Pad
• Goodness-of-fit tests
• Using ReliaSoft’s Distribution Wizard
• Printing and formatting
• Monte Carlo data simulation
• Mixed Weibull analysis
• Competing Failure Mode analysis

Weibull++, Intermediate Topics

• Import data from multiple sources
• Using the Auto Run feature to automate analysis
• Batch processing
• Altering and/or fixing parameters
• Automatically truncating data points
• ReliaSoft’s Function Wizard and its functions
• Using ReliaSoft’s Design of Reliability Tests
• Using tests of comparison
• Using stress-strength analysis
• Customizing Weibull++
• Using the Quick Statistical Reference
• Performing degradation analysis
• Performing warranty analysis

Weibull++, Advanced Topics

• Cross-linking data and results
• Performing advanced analyses
• The General Spreadsheet interface and other graphs
• Using Weibull++ for system reliability