A Physics-of-Failure-based approach for failure behavior modeling: With a focus on failure collaborations

Traditional Physics-of-Failure (PoF) methods assume independence among failure mechanisms. In this paper, a failure behavior modeling approach is proposed to allow for considering interdependence in PoF modeling. The interdependence is characterized by modeling failure mechanisms and relations among them. Three basic relations among failure mechanisms, i.e., competition, superposition and coupling are discussed in the first place. Models for the three relations are also established. Based on the developed relation models, the failure behavior modeling approach is presented. Finally, a case study of a spool valve is conducted to show that the proposed method can provide a more accurate description of failure behaviors than traditional PoF methods.