FMECA-based analyses: A SMART foundation

Abstract

The paper focuses on the current engineering practice on SMART (System Safety, Maintainability, Availability, Reliability, and Testability) engineering using Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) as the fundamental SMART knowledge base. The paper demonstrates General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' adaptation to the Department Of Defense's (DOD's) new Reliability and Maintainability (RAM) engineering trend, such as quantitative hazard analysis, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) analysis, and fault coverage analysis, using the traditional RAM tool — FMECA.