Reliability of Rotor Transmission System
Task 1
Perform an analysis at system level using FTA and FMECA to assess failure of the IGB. This should consider the reliability at the point of dispatch as well as
in flight.
Discussion of system reliability issues and recommendations for changes to design or maintenance tasks in relation to FTA and FMECA Analysis.
Task 2
Your analysis should now be expanded to include the reliability of the Main gearbox lubrication system. Figure 3 shows a Reliability Block Diagram for Loss
of Oil Pressure. This should be integrated into your analysis for the transmission system. Although the analysis should focus on the IGB and Main Gearboxes,
you should consider the effect of reliability on aircraft safety as a whole. For any critical items, you should suggest possible maintenance actions, either
preventative or corrective, and/or any condition monitoring for dormant faults. You will need to justify your analysis with your own research and good
engineering judgment. However, there is no need to develop any aircraft diagrams.
Also discuss the system reliability issues and recommendations for changes to design or maintenance tasks.
Sample Solution
The Integrated Guidance Bomb (IGB) is an advanced guidance system used in military aircraft to ensure precision targeting. This system requires a certain level of reliability in order to perform its tasks, which can be assessed using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMECA). FTA involves identifying causes of failures at the top level, followed by their possible effects, while FMECA takes a systems approach to assess the effects that any given failure mode may have on the IGB’s performance. Both techniques are useful for determining potential sources of faults as well as ways to prevent them from occurring.
When assessing the reliability at dispatch, one must consider both internal and external factors such as temperature changes or vibration levels during takeoff. Internal faults could occur due to wear and tear of components over time or incorrect wiring or connections; all of which can be addressed through regular maintenance checks and repairs if necessary. External factors like extreme temperatures can also significantly impact system performance and require additional precautions such as humidity control measures within storage containers before use so that these conditions do not affect IGBs when they are deployed in flight (Faisal et al., 2020).
In terms of reliability during flight operations, it is important to note that vibration levels increase significantly once an aircraft reaches cruising speeds; therefore this must be taken into account when assessing fault potentials associated with the IGBs themselves so that any weak points can be identified beforehand and appropriate measures taken in order minimize risks posed by these variables.
By applying both FTA and FMECA analysis techniques when evaluating system-level reliability issues related to IGBs we gain greater insight into how failures may manifest themselves under different conditions at both dispatch point as well as during actual flight operations; allowing us identify weaknesses earlier on while also making sure required design modifications or maintenance procedures are implemented accordingly.
