This tool automates the calculation of system availability and mean time to failure (MTTF) using a specific mathematical model developed by John F. Lehman. Typically, it takes component failure rates as input and provides a quantitative assessment of the overall system’s reliability characteristics. For instance, consider a system with three components, each having a known failure rate. This tool would streamline the process of determining the combined impact of these individual failure rates on the system’s overall availability.
Automated calculation of system reliability metrics is crucial in various engineering disciplines, particularly in safety-critical systems design. A robust understanding of MTTF and system availability allows engineers to make informed decisions about redundancy, maintenance schedules, and component selection, leading to improved system performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety. Lehman’s model, developed in the mid-20th century, has become a standard approach for analyzing complex system reliability.