Operational Testing

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Chapter 6.2: Operational Testing


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Chapter 6.2  
Operational Testing  

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Background

Operational testing is basically repairable systems analysis using the Crow Extended model. The general assumptions associated with the Crow Extended model do not change. However, in operational testing, the calculations are conducted with the assumption that [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math]. Therefore, only delayed fixes, BD modes and test-find-test, are allowed. BC modes cannot be entered. In this scenario, you want a stable system such that the estimate of [math]\displaystyle{ \beta\,\! }[/math]is close to one. The [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math] assumption can be verified by checking the confidence bounds on [math]\displaystyle{ \beta\,\! }[/math]. If the confidence bounds include one then you can fail to reject the hypothesis that [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math].

Under operational testing:

  • It is not a developmental test since the final product has been fielded.
  • Delayed fixes (BD modes) only.
  • Configuration is fixed and design changes are kept to a minimum.
  • Focus on age-dependent reliability.
  • Testing is generally conducted prior to full production.

Operational testing analysis could also be applied to a system that is already in production and being used by customers. In this case, you will be able to verify the improvement in the system's MTBF based on the specified delayed fixes. Based on this information, along with the cost and time to implement, you can determine if it is cost-effective to apply the fixes to the fielded systems.

Example

Consider two systems that have been placed into operational testing. The data for each system are given below. Do the following:

  1. After estimating the parameters, verify the assumption of [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math].
  2. Estimate the instantaneous MTBF of the system at the end of the test (demonstrated MTBF).
  3. Estimate the MTBF that can be expected after the BD failure modes are addressed (projected MTBF) and the maximum MTBF that can be achieved if all BD modes that exist in the system were discovered and fixed according to the current maintenance strategy (growth potential MTBF).
Operational Testing Data
System # 1 2
Start Time (Hr) 0 0
End Time (Hr) 504 541
Failure Times (Hr) and
Failure Modes
21 BD43 83 BD37
29 A42 83 BD43
43 BD10 83 BD46
43 BD11 169 A45
43 A39 213 A18
66 A20 299 A42
115 BD34 375 A1
159 BD49 431 BD16
199 BD47
202 BD47
222 BD47
248 BD14
248 BD15
255 BD41
286 BD40
286 BD48
304 BD47
320 BD13
348 BD11
364 BD44
404 BD44
410 BD4
429 BD47

The BD modes are implemented at the end of the test and assume a fixed effectiveness factor equal to 0.6 (i.e., 40% of the failure intensity will remain after the fixes are implemented).

Solution

  1. The entered operational testing data and the estimated parameters are given below.
    OperationalTestData.png

    The assumption of [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math] can be verified by looking at the confidence bounds on [math]\displaystyle{ \beta\,\! }[/math] via the Quick Calculation Pad (QCP). The 90% 2-sided Crow confidence bounds on [math]\displaystyle{ \beta\,\! }[/math] are shown next.

    OTBeta=1.png

    Since the confidence bounds on [math]\displaystyle{ \beta\,\! }[/math] include one, then you can fail to reject the hypothesis that [math]\displaystyle{ \beta = 1\,\! }[/math].

  2. From #1, the demonstrated MTBF (DMTBF) equals 33.7097 hours.
  3. The projected MTBF and growth potential values can be displayed via the Growth Potential MTBF plot.
    OTGPMTBFPlot.png

    The plot shows that the projected MTBF equals 42.3824 hours, and the growth potential MTBF equals 62.9518 hours.