Reliability Block Diagram analysis, typically abbreviated as RBD, is a methodology for assessing the failure or success paths through a complex system. RBDs are created in a visual format, using blocks to represent components or elements of a system, and then connecting those block using connector lines to indicate their relationships to one another. Oftentimes, RBD are used to assess the impact of redundant components, or redundant paths in a system. Redundancy in terms of RBD analysis means that when a component or path fails, a secondary component or path can take over to keep the system up and running.
RBDs can become complex and can be difficult to assess using manual techniques. Mathematical algorithms, and in some cases simulation algorithms, may be employed in order to evaluate the reliability and availability metrics of the system.
RBDs are generally used as a reliability and availability assessment tool, and are commonly part of an overall reliability, risk, or quality program.
Availability Assessment
Availability assessment activities are vital across many industries, and especially those that include redundant design in order to maintain high uptime, such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, networks, power, oil & gas, and medical systems. However, RBDs are also used in a wide range of industries to aid in quality improvement and availability assessment. RBD analysis is employed across the spectrum because it is a valuable tool in meeting and maintaining quality and reliability goals.
Why perform RBD analyses?
Whenever there is a need for system availability assessment, especially when redundancy is an integral part of the design, RBD analysis is the tool of choice. RBD analysis is advantageous when you want to perform a reliability and/or availability assessment of a complex system that incorporates connection information. RBDs enable you to provide a visual layout of your product, process, or system, including redundant components or branches. RBD computational engines use known mathematical techniques, sometimes including Monte Carlo simulation, to provide metrics that are difficult to compute manually, or may not have an analytical solution.
How do I perform an RBD analysis?
Almost all RBD analyses are done using a specific software tool designed for the process. There are other means of performing a RBD analysis, but those are extremely limited in comparison to using a software tool. Look for a tool that provides an easy-to-use diagram interface combined with a powerful computational engine. A web-based package allows you access to your RBD analyses across remote teams or distributed locations.
Relyence RBD
Relyence RBD is a powerful tool providing everything you need for performing comprehensive RBD analyses. Offered on the web and supporting a mobile-friendly interface, Relyence RBD is built with today’s technologies in mind. Relyence RBD makes diagram creation not only easy, but also eye-catching, and then adds on an impressive calculation engine supporting a variety of reliability and availability metrics.
Contact us today so we can talk about your RBD needs and how Relyence RBD can help, or sign up today for our free trial to see Relyence RBD in action.
