Reliability Calculation Method for Mechanical Components with Dependent Failure Modes

A mechanical component may fail in many modes that are usually not independent. There is generally not a joint probability density function to describe these correlated failure modes. Thus, it is difficult to compute the reliability with considering the correlations between the failure modes. It is supposed that three or more failure modes arise synchronously to be a very small probability event. The relationship between ultimate state functions in different failure modes is established by utilizing linear regression method. A double integration modal for reliability of mechanical components with dependent failure modes is built according to stress-strength interference model. In case of square, cube or exponential relationship between two ultimate state functions, a linear transformation is made. An example of pin is discussed. Its reliability is compared with that obtained using Monte Carlo method, which represent that the reliability model with multi-failure modes proposed is correct.