Weibull Analysis Training - RS 401 Reliability and Life Data Analysis

Course Outline

Principles and Theory
This course begins with 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

Software and Applications
Computer and Theory Session

The course continues with an introduction to and familiarization with ReliaSoft's Weibull++ software. As the session progresses, you will be introduced to the intermediate and advanced applications of Weibull++ and apply the methods and theory covered in the course. 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

Hands-on Workshop
Computer Session

The session concludes with a full day of hands-on training using Weibull++. You will also be provided with an evaluation copy of Weibull++.

This hands-on workshop will be based on ReliaSoft's Weibull++ Training Guide. The training guide is specifically designed to guide you step-by-step from simple to advanced concepts, allowing you to proceed at your own pace.

Questions will be solicited throughout the workshop. ReliaSoft's engineering and software design staff will be available to provide personalized help during this session. In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply reliability engineering concepts and methodologies to realistic problems and situations using Weibull++.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets and specific problems for analysis and experimentation during this session.