ABSTRACT
The term reliability is a term that has been used extensively, but is often misunderstood. Reliability has been described by some as a group of statisticians spewing endless streams of data. Reliability is a characteristic that describes how good a device really is. Reliability is the state of mind in which all personnel associated with a product must be. It is a philosophy that dictates how good a device will be. The terms “quality” and “reliability” are sometimes used interchangeably, although they are quite different. Reliability originated during World War II, when the Germans first introduced the concept to improve the operation of their V-1 and V-2 rockets. In the early sixties, the field of reliability experienced growth and widespread application in the aerospace industry, especially following the failure of Vanguard TV3 and several satellites. Mechanical reliability differs considerably from electronic reliability in its reaction to the aging of a component or assembly.
