Evaluation of Information Requirements of Reliability Methods in Engineering Design

This paper aims to characterize the information needed to perform methods for robustness and reliability, and verify their applicability to early design stages. Several methods were evaluated on their support to synthesis in engineering design. Of those methods, FMEA, FTA and HAZOP were selected on their insight on design risks and wide spread application. A pilot case study has been performed with a washing machine in using these methods to assess design risks, following a reverse engineering approach. The study has shown the methods can be initiated at early design stages, but cannot be concluded. For that reason, new methods are needed to assist assessing robustness and reliability at early design stages. A specific taxonomy on robustness and reliability information in design could support classifying available design information to orient new techniques assessing innovative designs.