Fault evolution-test dependency modeling for mechanical systems

Abstract

Tracking the process of fault growth in mechanical systems using a range of tests is important to avoid catastrophic failures. So, it is necessary to study the design for testability (DFT). In this paper, to improve the testability performance of mechanical systems for tracking fault growth, a fault evolution-test dependency model (FETDM) is proposed to implement DFT. A testability analysis method that considers fault trackability and predictability is developed to quantify the testability performance of mechanical systems. Results from experiments on a centrifugal pump show that the proposed FETDM and testability analysis method can provide guidance to engineers to improve the testability level of mechanical systems.