Operation Reliability and Diagnostics of Complex Mechanical Systems

Primljeno (Received): 2012-10-15 Prihvaćeno (Accepted): 2013-01-21 Original scientific paper Abstract: This paper deals with the use of an information system for the reliability and diagnostics of complex mechanical systems. It includes a theoretical analysis of relations and interconnection of failures of these systems, providing thus simple but sufficient data (type, rate, failure time distribution and operating mode). It deals in more detail with a correlation of simultaneous failures with the use of a multinomic model. The basic theory is reflected in an example, in which failure of plain bearings in a small set of internal combustion engines (2 sets consisting of 7 engines in a laboratory and in routine operation) were studied and 11 fatigue mechanisms (adhesion, abrasion, erosion, fatigue, vibration, cavitations, mix of the above-mentioned mechanisms, peeling off bearing surface layers, corrosion, change of geometric shape and production, technology and assembly inaccuracies) where 35 basic diagnostic features of failures were discovered. Correlation analysis provided to find important relations between the features of failures (in total, 4 important features in relation to the number of hours worked) and to use them as basic diagnostic parameters in operation.