ABSTRACT
The framework encourages the assessment of reliability during the design phase; facilitates the evaluation of new materials, structures, and technologies; and guides the user in developing tests and screens. An effective framework for non-operating reliability assessment must be proactive and incorporate reliability assessments in the design process. The reliability analysis estimates the time-to-failure for dominant failure mechanisms and ranks them accordingly. If the time to failure for the mechanism with the lowest time is less than the desired mission life, then the sensitivity of the failure mechanism to design parameters can be evaluated until system reliability goals are met. References to failure mechanisms models are also given. The non-operating reliability analysis results translate into a conservative estimate of a non-operating life. Consequently the preferred approach to reliability assessment utilizes knowledge of failure mechanisms to encourage robust design and manufacturing practices.
