Reliability Analysis Using GO Methodology and Grey System Theory

Abstract

Machining center is a complex mechatronical product. Because of numerous influencing factors on its reliability, parts of their inaccurate description and the uncertainty of its failure behaviors, it is very difficult to analyze its reliability by traditional reliability model which is based on probability theory. To solve this problem, grey system theory combined with GO method reliability analysis was presented, and sequentially a practical reliability analysis model considering various operating conditions of the components of machining center was established. The method was used in reliability analysis of hydraulic system of Tray Automatic Exchange Device (TAED) of machining center. Firstly, through a systematical analysis of hydraulic system of tray automatic exchange device of machining center, its basic structure model was summarized, and the model of GO chart for the hydraulic system was established. Then, the gray dynamic analysis for the hydraulic system was derived, and a feasible method of dynamic analysis for the performance reliability of hydraulic system was provided. Finally, the availability and correctness of this method in the analysis and reliability evaluation of machining center was verified by comparing the calculated result of this method with that of the traditional static GO methodology and the FTA. This approach provided a theoretical basis for the prevention of failures of the hydraulic system of tray automatic exchange device, the improvement of the system reliability and security, and the development of security controls.