Testing is an important issue in any development programme, because it becomes more important and a significant component of the overall development effort when the development risks are high. Designs are not always perfect and designers usually are not able to analyse all the likely causes of failure of their designs in service, accordingly testing is necessary to determine the reliability of the design, but what kind of tests should be applied?
In fact any kind of test can be considered as a part of an integrated test programme, that should include: Functional performance testing, Environmental testing, Reliability and durability testing and Safety testing. The test programme should be managed and planned correctly into the phases of concept creation, design, development, manufacturing and service. where, the implemented tests during each phase, are different from another phases. Testing especially during the development phase is nearly expensive and uncertain in relation to time and other resources required. The effective selection of testing programs (and the incurred costs due to ineffective selection of testing programs) will be noticeable in the future, so a long- term view is significant.
In fact all the test aspects: what to test, how to test, test plans, test implementation, link design analysis tools to test program. requires sufficient expertise in this field to achieve the goals of the test. Testing regimes at some companies rely on expert testing in specific applications to establish an appropriate testing program and then they carry it out.
The main objectives of this project; is to develop an expert system that is able to provide:
1. A list of most appropriate tests for a system /equipment under consideration.
2. Guidelines for an optimal test plan and explaining the way to implement the test.
Application of expert systems in the field of testing programs will help to design a tool that allows the automatic selection of the most appropriate tests for a system /equipment under consideration. Where the required knowledge can be accessed quickly and easily by managers that will aid the quality of decision-making.
Usage environment, test goals, design analysis tools (FMEA, FTA and ET) and some information from literature will be combined to build a decision tool for designing a robust test process. It is also intended that physics of failure principles will be used to aid the identification of failure modes, failure mechanisms and stressors.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Section (1) Introduction
- 1.1 Expert systems
- 1.2 Test engineering
- 1.3 Design analysis method for reliability
- 1.4 The proposed expert system for effective selection of testing regimes for engineers (ESFEST) considerations
- 1.5 Section (1) Conclusion
- Section (2) The methodology of building a knowledge base for (ESFEST)
- 2.1 Introduction to The Methodology
- 2.2 Physics-of-failure approach
- 2.3 Failure mechanisms/Failure modes of Materials /components
- 2.4 Stressors (accelerated tests)
- 2.5 Building the Knowledge Base
- 2.6 Section (2) Conclusion
- Section (3) ESFEST, design the Process and building the system
- 3.1 Introductions to the process
- 3.2 What ESFEST is?
- 3.3 The process detail and building the expert system (main diagram)
- Section (4) Case study - Electrical motor
- 4.1 Introduction to case study
- 4.2 tests selection
- Section (5) Conclusion Link ESFEST to CAD system
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this project is to develop an expert system capable of providing a list of the most appropriate tests for a given system or equipment, along with guidelines for an optimal test plan and its implementation. The system aims to improve the effectiveness of current test selection processes and document relevant information from various sources.
- Effective selection of reliability testing programs.
- Application of expert systems and artificial intelligence in test selection.
- Integration of design analysis tools (FMEA, FTA, ET) into the testing strategy.
- Utilizing physics-of-failure principles to identify failure modes and mechanisms.
- Development of a robust and comprehensive test process.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Section (1) Introduction: This introductory section lays the groundwork for the expert system project. It highlights the importance of comprehensive testing in development programs, especially when risks are high. The section emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to test selection, given the high costs and time uncertainties involved. It introduces the concept of an expert system to address the lack of readily available expertise in test program design and implementation, particularly due to insufficient coverage in engineering curricula and literature. The section also briefly introduces expert systems, test engineering, and design analysis methods like FMEA, FTA, and ET, laying the groundwork for their subsequent integration into the proposed expert system.
Section (2) The methodology of building a knowledge base for (ESFEST): This chapter details the methodology for building the knowledge base of the ESFEST expert system. It focuses heavily on the physics-of-failure approach, systematically examining failure mechanisms and modes of materials and components. The chapter explores stressors (accelerated tests) and their crucial role in the knowledge base, emphasizing the importance of understanding how environmental and operational conditions affect product reliability. The construction of the knowledge base itself is detailed, outlining the process of integrating data from various sources to create a comprehensive and usable resource for the expert system. The chapter's conclusion summarizes the steps involved in building a reliable knowledge base that is fit for use within the proposed expert system.
Section (3) ESFEST, design the Process and building the system: This section delves into the design and implementation of the ESFEST expert system. It explains the functionality of the system and provides a detailed overview of the process involved in its construction. The main diagram of the expert system is presented and discussed, providing a visual representation of the system's components and their interactions. This section essentially lays out the practical application of the methodology discussed in the preceding section.
Section (4) Case study - Electrical motor: This chapter provides a practical application of the ESFEST expert system through a case study focusing on an electrical motor. The selection of tests based on the system’s features and operational characteristics is detailed and elaborated upon, showcasing the system's ability to provide a practical, well-informed, and suitable testing regime based on the input given. The case study illustrates the system's effectiveness in identifying appropriate tests and generating a comprehensive test plan.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Test engineering, Reliability testing, AI, Expert systems, FMEA, FTA, ET, Physics-of-failure, Failure modes, Failure mechanisms, Accelerated tests, Test plan, Knowledge base, ESFEST.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a language preview containing the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords related to an expert system for effective selection of testing regimes for engineers (ESFEST).
What is ESFEST?
ESFEST is an expert system designed to provide a list of the most appropriate tests for a given system or equipment. It also offers guidelines for creating and implementing an optimal test plan.
What is the main objective of the ESFEST project?
The primary goal is to develop an expert system that can suggest the best tests for a specific system, along with recommendations for an effective test plan and its execution. This system aims to enhance the efficiency of current test selection methods and consolidate relevant information from various sources.
What are the key themes covered in this document?
The key themes include: effective selection of reliability testing programs, application of expert systems and AI in test selection, integration of design analysis tools (FMEA, FTA, ET) into testing strategy, utilizing physics-of-failure principles, and developing a robust test process.
What does Section 1 (Introduction) cover?
Section 1 introduces the expert system project, highlighting the importance of comprehensive testing, the need for a systematic approach to test selection, and the concept of an expert system to address the lack of readily available expertise. It also introduces expert systems, test engineering, and design analysis methods (FMEA, FTA, ET).
What does Section 2 (The methodology of building a knowledge base for ESFEST) cover?
Section 2 details the methodology for building the knowledge base of the ESFEST expert system. It focuses on the physics-of-failure approach, examining failure mechanisms and modes of materials and components, exploring stressors (accelerated tests), and outlining the process of integrating data to create a usable resource.
What does Section 3 (ESFEST, design the Process and building the system) cover?
Section 3 delves into the design and implementation of the ESFEST expert system, explaining its functionality and providing a detailed overview of the process involved in its construction. It also presents and discusses the main diagram of the expert system.
What does Section 4 (Case study - Electrical motor) cover?
Section 4 provides a practical application of the ESFEST expert system through a case study focusing on an electrical motor. It details the selection of tests based on the system’s features and operational characteristics, demonstrating its ability to provide a well-informed testing regime.
What are some of the keywords associated with this project?
The keywords include: Test engineering, Reliability testing, AI, Expert systems, FMEA, FTA, ET, Physics-of-failure, Failure modes, Failure mechanisms, Accelerated tests, Test plan, Knowledge base, ESFEST.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Hosam Aljaz (Autor:in), 2003, Development An Expert System For Designing Effective Reliability Testing Programs, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1557467
