Availability, Reliability and Maintainability (AR&M) Course

Delivery Options:

Open Public Classroom Course: 4 Days

On-site: 4 Days
 

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Course Overview

This is an in-depth course using a hands-on approach.  This course presents a practical review of AR&M by presenting an overview of acquisition phase objectives and their application in the design and development of equipment and systems.  Topics covered include: Principles and Objectives; Consideration of underlying failure mechanisms; Engineering Techniques; Allocations and Predictions; System level modelling; Data Collection & Analysis; Verification Testing in a Life Cycle Context. The course closes with a general discussion and the opportunity for delegates to further address any issues which may be of interest to them. The mathematics required is explained and demonstrated using a realistic data source and a modelling spreadsheet which is provided to each delegate.

The format of this course allows for maximum information to be presented while allowing for questions, discussions, and in-class examples and exercises to maximize the students overall learning experience.
 

Course Description

Pre Course Preparation
A lap-top computer with MS Excel would assist delegates with some course discussions and exercises.

10 sessions over 4 Days

This course does not just show delegates the simplistic solutions which are used everyday to calculate and treat AR&M; it also addresses the foundations on which AR&M theory is based and the engineering mechanisms and processes which underlie the achievement of Reliable, Maintainable systems. The role of Reliability Quantification within Systems and Reliability Engineering is discussed and delegates are exposed to the methodologies which can be applied to complex systems in order to maximise their beneficial effect. The importance of reliability to system design is a significant element of the course.

AR&M management processes and AR&M engineering activities are discussed to provide detailed knowledge to the delegates. Finally, the issues of contracting successfully for AR&M are discussed from both the Supplier and Purchaser stand points. Major AR&M issues are supported with practical examples and exercises which ensure that the delegate acquires both a robust understanding of AR&M theory and real practice of producing solutions.

Session 1: System Measures & Metrics

This lesson introduces the delegate to the definitions and significance of AR&M as the primary driver of Through Life Costs. It considers the characteristics and relationships that contribute to the Availability of a System and addresses the major terms and parameters used when addressing Reliability, Maintainability and Testability.

Session 2: ARM & Systems Engineering

This session examines ARM within the context of a Systems Engineering process and discusses the significant standards which are relevant to an effective R&M programme.
The application of ARM during the Acquisition Cycle is also discussed and the differing focus and objectives during a Product Realisation Process considered.

Session 3: Causes of Failure

This session addresses the question ‘why do things fail?’ and examines and discusses the underlying causes of failure and contributory factors for Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical and Software elements of a system.
It also considers the underlying causes and effects for Human related errors and the contributions to System un-reliability.

Session 4: ARM Management & Engineering in the Lifecycle

The Management of an R&M programme throughout the lifecycle and the major objectives and activities are identified and discussed in this session.
The principle of progressive assurance and the R&M Case is presented with emphasis on “growing” a body of evidence.

Session 5: R&M in Design

This session considers the R&M Products & deliverables addressed from both a Customer’s and Supplier’s perspective. The Contracting and ARM Management considerations include Purchaser requirements and contractor implementation together with ARM Specifications & ARM documents encompassing Planning, Technical reports and the R&M Case.

Session 6: R&M Engineering Techniques

The “engineering design” phase is addressed in this session. Many of the tasks conducted in this phase are procedural in nature and the principles and application are discussed to a suitable depth with appropriate examples. The significance of techniques such as FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis) and FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) and other methods are emphasised within the context of achieving a reliable system design. Practical FMEA, FTA discussions and exercises are performed by delegates and the concepts and issues discussed.

Session 7: Reliability and Maintainability Allocation Modelling and Prediction

This is an extensive session with many practical examples and exercises that presents and discusses techniques which can be used in the ‘specification and technical planning and the ‘engineering design’ phases of a reliability programme. The session commences with the apportionment/allocation tasks and their objectives, benefits and shortcomings. Reliability predictions are then discussed together with the differing techniques which can be utilised for different technologies (e.g. Electrical/electronic, Mechanical & Software).

Finally, reliability modelling is discussed in depth addressing: block diagrams, different configurations, various redundancy techniques and various modelling methods including RBDs, Scenario modelling and Markov Analysis.

Session 8: Reliability Growth, Data Collection and Analysis

This session includes not only a discussion of DRACAS/FRB activity but also addresses Reliability Growth/HALT trials and Accelerated Life Testing. The topic of data analysis includes consideration of the major statistical distributions (Normal and Weibull in particular) and other concepts such as Bayesian Analysis. Understanding reliability testing and data analysis with the underpinning principles enable delegates to quickly evaluate and soundly articulate the commercial risks involved for both the purchaser and the supplier. Delegates are involved in analysis of data using both Normal and Weibull distributions and the interpretation and discussion of results.
Topics addressed include;

• DRACAS and Failure Review Boards
• Reliability Data Analysis
• Reliability Growth
• Accelerated Testing
• Bayesian Analysis
• The practical manifestation of Warranties and Guarantees

Session 9: Statistical Demonstration

This session examines and discusses the principles and concepts underlying statistical R&M demonstrations and their potential role within both formal acceptance and verification and Progressive Assurance approaches.

Sesson 10: General Wash up

A summary of the 4 day course and a chance for delegates to discuss highlighted issues and the resolutions required.

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Course Locations:

Open Public Classroom
Allan Webb’s Public Courses are delivered at The Village Hotel, The Green Business Park Dog Kennel Lane Solihull, B90 4JG UK

On-site
If required, and where student numbers justify doing so, the course can be tailored to a specific organisation or industry (whilst retaining all the core elements) and conducted at an individual company’s premises.
 

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Bespoke Courses

Allan Webb also offers bespoke courses to meet the needs of our clients. If our public course offerings are not quite what you are looking for, please get in touch to discuss your requirements. From mixing and matching modules from existing courses, to arranging on-site or in-house sessions for large groups on a convenient date, Allan Webb works with our clients to ensure that they get the experience that works for them.

Contact Us:

Please contact us via email training@allanwebb.co.uk or use the form at the bottom of the page to request additional information.