Reliability is a measure of the ability of a product, service, part, or system to perform its

intended function under a prescribed set of conditions. In effect, reliability is a

probability. Suppose that an item has a reliability of .90. This means that it has a 90
percent probability of functioning as intended. The probability it will fail is 1 − .90 = .10,
or 10 percent.

 Reliability is defined to be the probability that a component or system will

perform a required function for a given period of time when used under
stated operating condition.
 Reliability is the ability of a product or system to perform as intended
functions for a specified time, in its life cycle conditions.
 Reliability is an ability of a product, system or components, to operate under
designated operating conditions for a designated period of time.

1 Term: “Reliability is probability” or “Reliability is ability”

 The mathematical theory of probability and statistics can use to estimate the
future performance of a product and its lifespan.

2nd Term: “Required or intended of designated functions”

3rd Term: “Given or specified or designated period of time”

4th Term: “Stated operating life cycle conditions”

QUANTIFYING RELIABILITY

Probability is used in two ways:

1. The probability that the product or system will function when activated.

2. The probability that the product or system will function for a given length of time.

The first of these focuses on one point in time and is often used when a system must
operate for one time or a relatively few number of times. The second of these focuses
on the length of service. The distinction will become more apparent as each of these
approaches is described in more detail.

Finding the Probability of Functioning When Activated

The probability that a system or a product will operate as planned is an important

concept in system and product design. Determining that probability when the product or
system consists of a number of independent components requires the use of the rules
of probability for independent events. Independent events have no relation to the
occurrence or nonoccurrence of each other.

Follows are three examples illustrating the use of probability rules to determine whether
a given system will operate successfully.
Finding Probability of Functioning for a Given Length of Time