1. What is Failure Rate?

Failure rate (λ) is a measure of reliability that represents the frequency at which a component or system fails. It is typically expressed as failures per unit of time and is fundamental in reliability engineering and maintenance planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the failure rate formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Failure rate (failures/hour)
• \( F \) — Total number of failures
• \( T \) — Total operating hours

Example: For 10 failures over 100,000 hours: λ = 10 / 100,000 = 0.0001 failures/hour

3. Importance of Failure Rate Calculation

Details: Failure rate analysis is crucial for predicting system reliability, planning maintenance schedules, determining warranty costs, and making informed decisions about component selection and system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total number of failures and total operating hours. Both values must be positive numbers, with operating hours greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between failure rate and MTBF?
A: Failure rate (λ) is the frequency of failures, while MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is the average time between failures. MTBF = 1/λ.

Q2: What are typical failure rate units?
A: Common units include failures per hour, failures per million hours (FIT), or failures per year depending on the application.

Q3: How is failure rate used in reliability prediction?
A: Failure rates are used to calculate system reliability using exponential distribution: R(t) = e^(-λt), where R(t) is reliability at time t.

Q4: What factors affect failure rates?
A: Operating conditions, temperature, stress levels, quality of components, maintenance practices, and environmental factors all influence failure rates.

Q5: Can failure rate change over time?
A: Yes, failure rates typically follow a "bathtub curve" with high initial failure rates (infant mortality), lower steady-state rates, and increasing rates as components wear out.