TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1985//
TI  - A graphical interpretation of the general equation of reliability
JO  - Reliability engineering
A1  - Nieuwhof, G.W.E.
SP  - 121
EP  - 129
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
N2  - In general the failure data of equipment are given in failure rate values. If we know the failure rate time function of a system, λs(t), we can determine its reliability over the considered time interval (t1→t2) by using the general equation for reliability, namely: Rs(t1→t2)=exp −∫t1t2λs(t)dt  Taking the natural logarithm of both sides of this equation and multiplying both sides by (−1) gives: −InRs(t1→t2)=∫t1t2λs(t)dt which represents the area under the graph of λs(t) over the time interval (t1→t2). This area determines the reliability of the system over the considered time interval.  An example illustrates that the failure rate time function reveals more about the operational performance assurance of the system at a point in time than the reliability value over a time interval.<p /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 0143-8174
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0143-8174(85)90051-4
ID  - ref1
ER  -