Risk Evaluation Based on the Hierarchical Time Delay Model in FMEA

Purpose: This paper suggests a hierarchical time delay model to evaluate failure risks in FMEA(failure modes and effects analysis). In place of the conventional RPN(risk priority number), a more reasonable and objective risk metric is proposed under hierarchical failure cause structure considering time delay between a failure mode and its causes. Methods: The structure of failure modes and their corresponding causes are analyzed together with the time gaps between occurrences of causes and failures. Assuming the severity of a failure depends on the length of the delayed time for corrective action, a severity model is developed. Using the expected severity, a risk priority metric is defined. Results: For linear and quadratic types of severity, nice forms of expected severity are derived and a meaningful metric for risk evaluation is defined. Conclusion: The suggested REM(risk evaluation metric) provides a more reasonable and objective risk measure than the conventional RPN for FMEA.