Key Research Areas

Reliability management along the product life cycle

© Fraunhofer IZM
product life cycle

Our primary task is to control the management activities for achieving reliable products and processes throughout the entire product lifecycle. Ensuring reliability starts within the innovation phase. Within the product development phase, careful consideration must be given regarding the influences of production and operation. Moreover functionality and availability should be ensured during operation.

A further task is to ensure the reliability of a product. This includes state-of-the-art practices for evaluating the reliability of systems. Methodologies for determination of a system´s health and the adaption of methodologies for condition-based improvement of reliability are implemented.

We provide expertise in the following areas:

  • Coordination of interdisciplinary exchange of information
  • Fault prevention processes (e.g. 8D processes)
  • Obsolescence management (e.g. dealing with  end of life of components)
  • Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
  • Calculating failure rates (MTBF, MTTF, MTTFd)
  • FEM-supported physical design
  • Resource-efficient process and product management with low environmental impact (Eco-Reliability)
  • Use of MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) processes

Methods of System Evaluation

Methods of system evaluation

System evaluation makes it possible to identify weak spots in terms of technology and sustainability. The various system levels are differentiated. The available methods provide the basis for overall system optimisation taking into account processes of reliability management.

Seminars and projects in the field of reliability management in the product life cycle

Robust Design of New Electronic Components for Electromobility

The RESCAR 2.0 project (Robust Design of New Electronic Components for Electromobility Applications) is overhauling the entire process of developing electrical and electronic systems, from the initial flash of inspiration, through to the final testing of overall system robustness and reliability.

Self-contained Condition Monitoring System (ECoMoS)

In recent decades, condition monitoring, also in combination with Teleservice hascontributed significantly to the success of mechanical engineering and plant construction in Germany.
 

Tutorial

Reliability of Electronic Systems

The tutorial is organized by the Institute’s Department of Environmental and Reliability Engineering, which supports new technologies on their path towards full commercial maturity.

More projects