Weakness Ranking Method for Subsystems of Heavy-Duty Machine Tools Based on FMECA Information

Heavy-duty machine tools are composed of many subsystems with different functions,and their reliability is governed by the reliabilities of these subsystems.It is important to rank the weaknesses of subsystems and identify the weakest subsystem to optimize products and improve their reliabilities.However,traditional ranking methods based on failure mode effect and critical analysis(FMECA)does not consider the complex maintenance of products.Herein,a weakness ranking method for the subsystems of heavy-duty machine tools is proposed based on generalized FMECA information.In this method,eight reliability indexes,including maintainability and maintenance cost,are considered in the generalized FMECA information.Subsequently,the cognition best worst method is used to calculate the weight of each screened index,and the weaknesses of the subsystems are ranked using a technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution.Finally,based on the failure data collected from certain domestic heavy-duty horizontal lathes,the weakness ranking result of the subsystems is obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.An improved weakness ranking method that can comprehensively analyze and identify weak subsystems is proposed herein for designing and improving the reliability of complex electromechanical products.

An Evaluation of Human Error Probabilities for Critical Failures in Auxiliary Systems of Marine Diesel Engines

Human error,an important factor,may lead to serious results in various operational fields.The human factor plays a critical role in the risks and hazards of the maritime industry.A ship can achieve safe navigation when all operations in the engine room are conducted vigilantly.This paper presents a systematic evaluation of 20 failures in auxiliary systems of marine diesel engines that may be caused by human error.The Cognitive Reliability Error Analysis Method(CREAM)is used to determine the potentiality of human errors in the failures implied thanks to the answers of experts.Using this method,the probabilities of human error on failures were evaluated and the critical ones were emphasized.The measures to be taken for these results will make significant contributions not only to the seafarers but also to the ship owners.

Quantitative Human Reliability Analysis for Crew During Shipping Operation

A simplified bi-variable human error probability calculation method is developed by incorporating two common performance condition( CPC) factors, which are modified from factors employed in cognitive reliability and error analysis method(CREAM) to take into account the characteristics of shipping operations. After the influencing factors are identified, Markov method is used to calculate the values of human reliability. The proposed method does not rely on the involvement of experts in the field of human factor nor depend on historical accidents or human error statistics. It is applied to the case of the crew on board of an ocean going dry bulk carrier. The caculated results agree with the actual case, which verifies the validity of the model.

Using Cognitive Interviews to Explore the Many Different Meanings Undergraduate Students in China Attribute to the Term“College Teacher”

The cognitive interview method was applied to evaluate survey questions translated and adapted from a US-based college student survey instrument.This paper draws data from cognitive interviews with 45 undergraduate students in China and explores the different meanings they attribute to the term“college teacher.”Students understood college teacher as course instructor,academic advisor,class headteacher and counselor,student organization supervisor,and student service personnel.Students developed the understanding through a socialization process of student-teacher interaction.This paper also discusses the importance of using cognitive interviewing to improve questionnaire design,implications for research on student-teacher relationships,and suggestions on fostering student-teacher interaction in Chinese higher education institutions.

Human Reliability Analysis Method on Armored Vehicle System Considering Error Correction

Human reliability analysis(HRA) is an expansion of man-machine engineering. It is also a new multidisciplinary based on behavioral science, cognitive science, information processing, system analysis and probability statistics in order to analyze, predict, reduce and prevent human errors. Firstly, the quantitative analysis model of HRA is proposed based on Markov process theory by using human error probability(HEP) and error correction cycle(ECC) as parameters. And human reliability evaluation criterion is built. Then, the HRA process considering error correction is proposed based on cognitive reliability and error analysis method(CREAM). Finally, according to the characteristics of armored vehicle system, common performance condition(CPC) in CREAM is improved.A reliability impact index is characterized by the overall contexts of tasks. Human reliability evaluation criterion of armored vehicle system is formulated. And the result of HRA is obtained based on the method presented in this paper. In addition, the relative weights are estimated by combining scale of 10/10—18/2 and analytical hierarchy process(AHP), and the triangular fuzzy number considering confidence factor and optimism index is adopted in order to reduce the subjectivity. The analysis results show that the method presented in this paper is reasonable and feasible. Meantime, the method can provide guidance for human reliability analysis of other weapon systems.