Effect of Competing Failure Modes on the System Reliability Estimation

In this paper, the results of the investigation on competing failure modes for the system reliability estimation are described. Therefore, a simulation process for competing failure modes is introduced and the results of a parameter study are discussed. Focus of the parameter study is the effect of fatigue and random failures, their failure shares, and the total sample size on the estimation of the system reliability. Derived from the parameter study, recommendations for the minimum sample size and the estimation method can be made.