ReliaSoft's Reliability HotWire: Issue 30

In this issue:

Issue 30, August 2003

	Hot Topics
	Reliability Basics
	Tool Tips
	Hot News
	Contribute to HotWire

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Hot Topics

Analyzing Accelerated Test Data with Unrelated Failures
When running an accelerated test, it may be assumed that the test equipment is going to operate properly when it is requested to do so. In reality, though, the test equipment will more than likely fail over a certain period of time (just like the units being tested) and may need to be repaired or replaced. But what happens if the test equipment actually fails during the test? What do you do then? How do you treat the units that were unable to complete the test in the analysis? One possible solution would be to simply remove the units from the analysis since they did not actually complete the test. However, valuable information may be lost by not including these units. If you do include the units in the analysis, should they be considered failures or suspensions? How you answer these questions will play an important role in your analysis of accelerated test data.

Reliability Basics

Using Pools and Crews in System Analysis (Part II)

In July's issue of the HotWire, utilizing crews in system analysis was presented in the article Using Pools and Crews in System Analysis (Part I). In this month's issue, we will continue with Part II of this discussion as it pertains to spare part pools. We will also examine how spare part pools and crews can be used together in system analysis.

Tool Tips

What is the "Use True 3-P MLE on Weibull" option on the Calculations page of the User Setup in Weibull++?
Why is rank regression not available as an analysis method in ALTA?

Hot News

Pre-Release Pricing on BlockSim 6 FTI Edition ($2495) - The BlockSim 6 FTI edition is a complete and integrated reliability block diagram and fault tree diagram package. With the FTI edition, you get the same powerful analysis capabilities available in BlockSim 6 Standard, regardless of how you choose to represent your system, erasing the distinction between fault tree diagrams and reliability block diagrams. You can use FTDs, RBDs or combinations of both. If you order the FTI edition before the official product release later this month, you can receive a $495 discount off the standard price! Upgrade discounts from BlockSim are available as well. To learn more about this software, please visit http://www.ReliaSoft.com/BlockSim/fti/index.htm.

The Xfmea Competitive Upgrade Program Ends This Month - Do not miss your opportunity to upgrade to Xfmea this summer and save 65% ($1,300 off the single user price). This offer gives you the advantage of a comprehensive FMEA package that can meet your current and future needs at a minimal cost. For details and eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.ReliaSoft.com/xfmea/upgrade.htm.

Consolidated Case Studies - Over the years we have presented numerous case studies to help expand your engineering potential as it relates to reliability analysis. Weibull.com now has all these case studies under one roof. If you are looking for new ideas, please visit: http://www.weibull.com/knowledge/examples.htm.

Calendar of Public Events:

	August	Master the Subject, Master the Tools Training Seminar (MSMT) - Life data analysis, accelerated life data analysis and system analysis: August 18 - 22, 2003 in San Diego, CA. For more information, see http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com/master.htm.
	September	Advanced System Analysis and BlockSim Training Seminar - September 22 - 24, 2003 in Tucson, AZ. An intensive theoretical and hands-on course (utilizing BlockSim) which exposes the attendee to the advanced concepts, principles and requirements for performing detailed system reliability, maintainability, availability and related analyses. For a detailed course overview, see http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com/gencourses/rs522.htm.
		FMEA/FMECA Analysis and Xfmea Training Seminar - September 25 - 26, 2003 in Tucson, AZ. This course offers an overview of FMEA/FMECA analysis procedures with emphasis on using the Xfmea software. For a detailed course overview, see http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com/gencourses/rs470.htm.
	October	International Seminar at the Island of Cyprus: The Crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa - Master the Subject, Master the Tools Training Seminar (MSMT) - October 6 - 10, 2003 in Larnaca, Cyprus. Life data analysis, accelerated life data analysis and system analysis. This seminar is in English. For more information, see http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com.
		China - Master the Subject, Master the Tools Training Seminar (MSMT) - October 27 - 31, 2003 in Shanghai, China. Life data analysis, accelerated life data analysis and system analysis. This seminar is primarily in Chinese. For more information, see http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com/china_oct03.htm.

Contribute to HotWire

Contributions Welcomed
As always, your feedback and contributions are appreciated. ReliaSoft is able to provide the most user-friendly reliability software packages and support because we listen to our customers. This applies to our newsletters and publications as well. We welcome any suggestions or contributions you may have for Reliability HotWire. If you have a topic or article that you think would be useful to the readers of Reliability HotWire, feel free to contact us. We can be reached by e-mail at HotWire@ReliaSoft.com, or by standard mail at 1450 S. Eastside Loop, Tucson, AZ 85710-6703, USA.