Outline of Method
The Similar Equipment Method is based on comparison of a proposed design with similar designs for which reliability achievements are known. The best data for making such comparisons is that relating to similar products that:
• Originate from the same design resources, manufacturing facilities and specifications prepared and processed in the same way.
• Are used in similar environments.
The main steps in the method are as follows:
1. Define the proposed system design in terms of its main functions, characteristics, performance and operational requirements, related development time scale, etc., and develop a reliability model.
2. Identify similar equipment designs and their associated development/production histories, reliability achievements and operating environments.
3. Identify significant differences and adjust the relevant reliabilities to take account of such differences.
4. Evaluate and analyse the reliabilities of the proposed design.
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Each of these steps is considered in more detail in the paragraphs that follow.
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