C&C²-AFM - An embodiment design- and function-based approach for Analysis of Failure Mechanisms

Abstract

In this article, the authors present a model-based approach that links the functional with a physical model layer based on the Contact and Channel Approach (C&C²-A), thus enabling an effective and efficient determination and assessment of the failure root causes and consequences. The approach is designed for the scenario where the failure modes are already identified, but the associated failure root causes or consequences as well as their underlying failure mechanisms have not yet been determined or assessed. First, the previous work and the foundations are introduced and discussed. They are then linked to form a procedure model, which should enable the reader to apply the approach to mechanical failure mechanisms in mechatronic systems. The resulting approach has the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the case of complex mechanical failure mechanisms compared to conventional approaches such as Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) or Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).