Question:

(a) The Bath-Tub curve is an important tool for understanding the reliability of engineering components in many different applications. It is viewed as a hazard function that describes the variation of failure rate of components during their life time. Explain the phases of the Bath-Tub curve.

(b) Briefly discuss the Predictive Maintenance strategy and list some of the techniques used for implementing in the work environment.

(c) Reliability Centered Maintenance is one of the strategies used for failure management and is related to condition of equipment. This strategy relies on the capability of maintenance personnel to detect potential failures in advance in order to take appropriate actions. A common curve that illustrates the behavior of equipment as it approaches failure is the P-F curve. Elaborate with the aid of a diagram on the use of a P-F curve to improve condition of equipment and safety in a work environment.