6. Prediction methods and reliability databases

6.1 Prediction methods

Numerous reliability prediction calculation methods have been developed over the last few decades, mainly in the field of electronic components, and more rarely for mechanical equipment. In particular, many reliability prediction software packages are available on the market, offering reliability prediction calculation methods. However, apart from a few methods and some reliability data collections, the majority of these date from the early 1990s and are no longer maintained, limiting their interest as even some guides are no longer available. In this section, the main sources of failure rate data will be provided, followed by a brief description of reliability prediction methods which sometimes also contain failure rates. The links between prediction models...