Ontology-based reliability analysis of aircraft engine lubrication system

Abstract

This article focuses on identifying limitations and deficiencies of reliability methods that are currently used in the aviation industry. The goal is to propose a solution to address these issues and, consequently, improve the way reliability analyses are carried in the industry. In collaboration with an aircraft engine manufacturer, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) of an aircraft engine lubrication system was carried the traditional way and with current tools used by the company. Reliability ontology suitable to carry the analysis in semi-automatic way was then proposed, implemented, and used with the same FMEA analysis. The results show that the ontology-based approach has significant potential for improving the consistency and overall quality of the reliability analyses in the aviation. This article details the process of development of an FMEA ontology model, case study of its application and the comparison of the traditional and the ontology-based approach.