A new method for failure modes and effects analysis and its application in a hydrokinetic turbine system

The traditional failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a conceptual design methodology for dealing with potential failures. FMEA uses the risk priority number (RPN), which is the product of three ranked factors to prioritize risks of different failure modes. The three factors are occurrence, severity, and detection. However, the RPN may not be able to provide consistent evaluation of risks for the following reasons: the RPN has a high degree of subjectivity, it is difficult to compare different RPNs, and possible failures may be overlooked in the traditional FMEA method. The objective of this research is to develop a new FMEA methodology that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. The expected cost is adopted to evaluate risks. This will not only reduce the subjectivity in RPNs, but also provide a consistent basis for risk analysis. In addition, the cause-effect chain structures are used in the new methodology. Such structures are constructed based upon failure scenarios, which can include all possible end effects (failures) given a root cause. Consequently, the results of the risk analysis will be more reliable and accurate. In the new methodology, the occurrence and severity ratings are replaced by expected costs. The detection rating is reflected in failure scenarios by the probabilities of either successful or unsuccessful detections of causes or effects. This treatment makes the new methodology more realistic. The new methodology also uses interval variables to accommodate uncertainties due to insufficient data. The new methodology is evaluated and applied to a hydrokinetic turbine system. This turbine is horizontal axis turbine, and it is under development at Missouri S&T --Abstract, page iii

Space station automation of common module power management and distribution

The purpose is to automate a breadboard level Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system which possesses many functional characteristics of a specified Space Station power system. The automation system was built upon 20 kHz ac source with redundancy of the power buses. There are two power distribution control units which furnish power to six load centers which in turn enable load circuits based upon a system generated schedule. The progress in building this specified autonomous system is described. Automation of Space Station Module PMAD was accomplished by segmenting the complete task in the following four independent tasks: (1) develop a detailed approach for PMAD automation; (2) define the software and hardware elements of automation; (3) develop the automation system for the PMAD breadboard; and (4) select an appropriate host processing environment

How to promote knowledge sharing in cross-functional NPD teams

This paper investigates the common issues that may arise in cross-functional new product development (NPD) teams from a Knowledge Management perspective. The study has been built around a contextualized trigger, where several factors were preventing a new-born NPD team from performing effectively. The purpose of this paper is to give insights of the main dynamics involved in the knowledge sharing process throughout the application of a systematic problem-solving approach to the case investigated by the authors. Due to the impossibility of building a universal recipe suitable for every team in every situation, this work represents a compromise trying to exemplify how to prioritise interventions in a given context, in order to provide a benchmark for similar circumstances. This paper, using an action research method within a single case context, takes shape around the advises and suggestions made by authors to Electronic Connected Ltd (disguised name), a small-medium enterprise (SME) in a situation of NPD paralysis. In particular, the paper emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and supporting environment in facilitating communication, enhancing cohesiveness, fostering joint commitment and giving direction in order to enable knowledge sharing and to leverage capabilities to conclusively deliver new products