Practical Reliability Engineering, 5th Edition

Preface to the Fifth Edition

Another ten years have elapsed since publication of the fourth edition. In that interval there have been further significant developments in reliability engineering methods, mainly related to the use of software to perform analysis of designs and of reliability data. Of course there have also been developments in engineering that affect reliability. The internet has added a new dimension to the availability of information and tools.

In order to describe many of these developments, Andre Kleyner has taken on the role of joint author and the two of us have worked together to create this new edition. Andre has contributed most of the new material. In particular, he has provided the software-based solutions to many of the examples, supplementing or replacing manual and graphical methods. He has also updated some of the technology aspects and contributed new sections on data analysis and other topics.

The main changes and additions include:

• Software implementation of statistical methods, including probability plotting and a wider use of common software tools such as Microsoft Excel¯.
• Expanded description and applications of Monte Carlo simulation methods, in a new chapter.
• More detailed descriptions of reliability prediction methods.
• Expanded treatment of accelerated test data analysis.
• Analysis of warranty data.
• Expanded description of reliability demonstration methods, in a new chapter.
• Course instructors who adapted this book can request the Solutions ...