ABSTRACT
A new model termed IFWG-TOPSIS (Intuitionistic Fuzzy Weighted Geometric – Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) has been proposed, for determining the root cause of failure and for building reliability-based knowledge for the redesigning of new system and product. Since failure (reliability) information/knowledge is scarce at the early phases of new product design, the root cause of failure in a predecessor design is determined and the information gained is transferred into the new design. Furthermore, a new mathematical model is developed, for evaluating the interactions within and between the failure modes in system component(s). To ensure the feasibility and rationality of the models, they have been implemented for determining the root cause of failure in a slewing gear system design and for quantifying the failure causality relationships (FCRs) within and between the components. The main advantages and contributions of the proposed new models in this study are in three folds; (1) The IFWG-TOPSIS model accounts for the uncertainty and dynamic issues in the decision-making process and in the evaluation of the root cause of failure in the designed product. (2) The interaction within and between the failure modes are addressed and evaluated adequately using the new mathematical model, finally. (3) A complete and robust design reliability knowledge is achieved, that can be used for the redesigning of new products and system.
