Mechatronic system reliability modelling and analysis: a graph theoretic approach

This paper presents a unique systems approach for reliability modelling analysis of a mechatronic system. As a first step, a reliability graph, which is useful in visual analysis of reliability interactions among the mechatronic subsystems, is developed. Information stored in this graph is quantified and exported to a reliability variable permanent matrix and finally to a function named Mechatronic Variable Permanent Reliability Function (MVPRF). Reliability analysis of mechatronic systems is done on the basis of MVPRF. A reliability index based on the MVPRF is proposed for reliability evaluation. Coefficient of similarity and dissimilarity useful for a designer in structure and reliability‐based comparison of mechatronic systems is proposed. This methodology would be useful for a designer to conduct structure‐based reliability analysis of a mechatronic system and also for a maintenance engineer to monitor the health condition of mechatronic system during the service period. The proposed methodology is explained with the help of an illustrative example.