Failure mode and effects analysis based on fuzzy utility cost estimation
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 16 October 2007
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a cost effective failure mode and effects analysis tool to overcome the disadvantages of the traditional FMEA that the cost due to failure is not defined.
Design/methodology/approach
The method presented in this paper is based on the fuzzy utility theory. It uses utility theory and fuzzy membership functions for the assessment of severity, occurrence, and detection. The utility theory accounts for the nonlinear relationship between the cost due to failure and the ordinal ranking. The application of fuzzy membership functions better represents the team opinions. The Risk Priority Index (RPI) is developed for the prioritization of failure modes.
Findings
The advantages of the FUT‐based FMEA are demonstrated through cases studies. It shows that it can take the cost due to failure into account when prioritizing failure modes.
Originality/value
The FUT‐based FMEA presented in this paper provides a convenient cost‐effective tool for failure analysis. It improves the performance FMEA in the risk and failure analysis for product design and manufacturing/assembly process.
Keywords
Citation
Dong, C. (2007), "Failure mode and effects analysis based on fuzzy utility cost estimation", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 24 No. 9, pp. 958-971. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710710826216
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited