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Engine Design

Probabilistic Reliability

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	$image of graph showing how SwRI applies advanced probabilistic fracture mechanics$
	SwRI applies advanced probabilistic fracture mechanics to determine the probability distribution of fatigue life of a crankshaft. probabilistic sensitivity factors are computed from the analysis to indicate the variables most affecting the structure's reliability.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) engineers have pioneered the integration of advanced reliability methods and failure models to develop faster, better, and less expensive ways to design, manufacture, and maintain engine systems.

The SwRI-developed risk assessment computer code NESSUS^® integrates highly efficient reliability methodology with other failure mode analysis, such as finite element analysis (FEA), using minimal computational time.

Some of the benefits of this approach include the ability to:

Quantify reliability and safety
Identify key variables and their influence early in the design process
Integrate cost and risk assessments into engineering decisions

For more information about probabilistic reliability capabilities at SwRI or how you

can contract with SwRI, please contact Mark Tussing at mtussing@swri.org or

(210) 522-2628.

Contact Information

Mark Tussing

Engine Design

(210) 522-2628

mtussing@swri.org

Related Terminology

engine design

engine analysis

thermodynamic analysis

kinematic performance

dynamic performance

engine emissions

engine design

probabilistic reliability

engine design failure models

engine design reliability

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

August 25, 2008