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151-0153-00L 4 Credits BSC , DS , MSC D-MAVT , D-INFK
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Reliability of Technical Systems

Zuverlässigkeit technischer Systeme

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:30

Abstract

Probabilistic methods of reliability evaluation, importance analysis, reliability prediction etc. Examples of use in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science. Established techniques e.g. Fault Tree Analysis, Reliability Block Diagrams, Markovian chains, FMEA. Comparison and improvement of systems. Model extension to renewable units and dependent failures.

Objective

Demonstration of the most important terms and theoretical basics of reliability analysis of technical systems. Therewith basic knowledge is provided in order to also assess complex system architectures in terms of safety technology and finally to improve them. In doing so it is the goal to quote reliability and availability figures of a system and its components by quantitative parameters, e.g. failure probabilities. These indicators also serve as parameters in reliability models and simulations. It is helpful, to become acquainted with current modelling and simulation tools and their practical application. Realistic models and simulations are achieved by a step by step inclusion of operating impacts, e.g. consideration of dependent failures. Software tools for specified technologies are introduced. Examples from the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering and also computer science give the participants an opportunity to deal with practice-relevant problems.

Content

The lecture teaches methods of reliability estimation using established models, which permit to infer from reliability of components to reliability of an entire system. Theoretical contents are accompanied by numerous practical examples. Software tools are introduced. The lecture includes probability theory, descriptive statistics, and Boolean Algebra. Worthwhile techniques of system modelling and evaluation are introduced. These techniques are Fault Tree analysis, Reliability Block Diagrams, and Markovian chains, which may serve for system comparisons and improvements. The application field of reliability theory is wide. It includes mechanical and electrical engineering and also computer science (reliability of hardware and software) etc.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes

Literature

Hoang Pham (ed.), Handbook of Reliability Engineering. - London: Springer, 2003. Siewiorek D .P., and Swarz R.S., Reliable Computer Systems. Natick (USA): A K Peters Ltd, 1998 Pukite J., Pukite P., Modeling for Reliability Analysis. - New York: IEEE Press, 1998 R. Billinton, R. N. Allan: Reliability evaluation of en¬gi¬¬neer¬¬ing systems: concepts and techniques; Plenum Press, New York, 1983.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , DS , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Zuverlässigkeit technischer Systeme
Lehrsprache: Deutsch oder Englisch
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (ML F 34)
  • Tue 12:15-13:00 (ML F 34)
2 h weekly
exercise Zuverlässigkeit technischer Systeme
Lehrsprache: Deutsch und Englisch
  • By Appointment None-None
1 h weekly

Offered In