Research,
Development, Documentation, Training
Reliability
research in complex systems
Complex
systems as well as dealing with the reliability of complexity are often
difficult to handle because contemporary education in technology primarily aims
to enable students to draw simple, logical conclusions and to define obvious
causal relationships.
Relationships
within networks embedded in open systems or their subsystems as well as the
reliability of such systems are becoming increasingly important, particularly in
the area of sustainable economic activity.
diam-consult
is at work in this field, researching system parameters relevant to reliability
as well as their context within complex systems. The results are presented, for
example, in specialized courses, seminars and publications.
Development
of reliability tests and methods of calculating reliability
Valid
test procedures exist for many products found on today's market. Within the
realm of such procedures, desired
functions may be verified even experimentally. Only in few cases do
technical standards for such procedures exist.
For new
products, however, particularly those arising from more recent technologies and
materials or processes (e.g. microsystem technology, nanotechnology), such
reliability tests must still be developed and validated. This is done by means
of calculation and test procedures (e.g. accelerated stress tests).
Whether
such decision tools are available for a certain product or process is one of the
parameters determining whether a new technology can be applied rationally. These
tools provide invaluable assistance in the early stages of the development
process as well as in estimating total project costs. Beyond this, the results
of such test procedures provide the necessary technical basis for evaluating
conformity to applicable European Union directives.
[1]
Validation
of testing and calculation methods; EU conformity
The
safety directives of the European Union commit product manufacturers to the
comprehensive documentation of product development, product testing and
production processes (proof of conformity). In the case of products from the
areas of micro- and nanotechnology, a substantial part of providing such proof
involves test procedures (life cycle tests, accelerated stress testing) or
recognized methods of calculation.
diam-consult
develops and validates such procedures specifically for clients and their
products.
Documentation
and training
Beyond
simple causal relationships, network thinking is not an integral component of
technical education in Europe[2].
Nonetheless, this ability represents the prerequisite for dealing with the
reliability, maintenance and risks of technical processes and systems. This
especially holds true when they are to be examined with respect to their "sustainability".
diam-consult
offers courses and training sessions on the subjects of the reliability,
maintainability and risk management of complex network systems while especially
considering the results of our own research.
