Functional Failures

About Functional Failures

After a system's functions have been defined, the next step is to define all the ways in which each function can fail, which is defined as a Functional Failure. For each function, the analysis team should consider each reasonable way in which a function could fail.

Example: Cooling Tower

The following example shows one possible function and a related Functional Failure for a cooling tower:

  • Functional Failure: Unable to produce 500 gallons per minute of water due to failure of one supply pump.
  • Function: Provide 500 gallons per minute of water at a maximum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit under all ambient conditions.

The following item is defined as a requirement for failures according to the SAE Standard JA1012, "Evaluation Criteria for Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Processes":

  • All the failed states associated with each function shall be identified.

Access a Functional Failure

Procedure

  1. Access the function for which you want to access a functional failure.
  2. In the pane, select the functional failure that you want to access.
    The datasheet for the selected functional failure appears in the workspace.
    Note: As needed, modify values in the available fields.

Create a Functional Failure

Before You Begin

This topic assumes that you have a pre-established RCM analysis with functions.

Procedure

  1. Access the function for which you want to create a functional failure.
  2. In the Function Failure pane, select .
    The workspace for the new functional failure appears.
  3. As needed, enter values in the available fields.
  4. Select Save.
    The functional failure is saved.

Modify a Functional Failure

Before You Begin

This topic assumes that you have a pre-established RCM analysis with functions.

Procedure

  1. Access a Functional Failure, for which you want to modify the functions.
  2. As needed, modify the values in the available fields.
  3. Select Save.
    The changes to the functional failure are saved.

Delete a Functional Failure

Before You Begin

This topic assumes that you have a pre-established RCM analysis with functions.

Procedure

  1. Access the RCM Overview page, and then select the Analyses tab.
    The list of analyses appears.
  2. Select the analysis containing the functional failure that you want to delete.
    In a new tab, the Analysis workspace for the selected analysis appears.
  3. In the pane, select the function that contains the functional failure that you want to delete.
    In the pane, the functional failures for the selected function appear.
  4. In the pane, select the functional failure that you want to delete.
    The workspace for the selected functional failure appears.
  5. Select Delete.
    A message appears, asking you to confirm that you want to delete the functional failure.
  6. Select Yes.
    The functional failure is deleted.