Integration of R&M into CAE for product excellence

Issues surrounding the integration of R&M (reliability and maintainability) analysis into CAE (computer-aided engineering) systems are addressed. The needs of companies like Boeing to accelerate the development of design decision support systems to produce products with good R&M characteristics are analysed. The author gives the Boeing status of the integration of R&M CAE, what Boeing has to accomplish, and the major technical barriers that Boeing is facing. Results of technology breakthroughs are described; they involve the development of methods for improving analysis of failure modes and effects, testability fault coverage and thermal stress for complex electronic systems.<>