Abstract
Traditionally British Rail has used experience and sound engineering practice to ensure reliable traction and rolling stock. In-service reliability has been measured in terms of frequency of train delays in traffic. Availability is measured in terms of the number of vehicles available for service at a fixed time each day. Service problems are reported to the design authority at periodic service problem meetings.
Modern traction and rolling stock specifications call for higher petformance to be obtained within tighter cost, size and weight constraints. To meet these demanding specifications, new system designs of increasing complexity have to be adopted. This has resulted in an increased engineering risk that the performance specifications will not be met.
To ensure that reliability and availability remain acceptable, it is becoming increasingly necessary to use reliability modelling and assessment techniques. These are used from initial concept, throughout the design phase, and during the operational life of the equipment.
This paper outlines some of the basic techniques which are available to assist in the solution of today's service problems and the design of tomorrow's vehicles. The application of these techniques will be illustrated by examples.
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