Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliability Engineering Topics | Warranty | Plant Maintenance

Kirk and Fred dive into how moisture, particularly from saltwater, accelerates failures in various materials. They discuss the surprising leakage rates of O-rings and the hidden dangers of moisture in electronic encapsulations, leading to eventual failures. The impact of hail on solar panels is highlighted, along with the harsh realities of flooding on vehicles designed to resist rain. In dry climates, humidity becomes a double-edged sword, increasing risks for electronics. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for robust testing to understand and mitigate moisture-related issues.

Overcomplicating Systems Abstract Greg and Fred discuss how to reduce complexity in life and work. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss how complexity is over complicating our lives and work.   What do you think?  And most importantly, how do you react or respond to complex situations. Topics include: What types of complexity […]

The Boeing Starliner was used to transport a crew of two to the International Space Station (ISS). But there were problems. And it was deemed too unsafe to return them to Earth. So the Starliner returned to Earth without its crew 'safely.' So was it safe? What does it mean to be 'safe?' What does NASA think 'safe' is? What do you think 'safe' is?

The Trouble with Habits Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the issues we often have with ‘habits.’ Habits can be good for us. But ‘bad habits’ are just that. Ever heard the excuse ‘but that’s the way we have always done it?’ Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how ‘habits’ dominate our lives […]

Design Justice Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss design justice: what it means for engineers in industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss design justice from the point of view of design processes in industry. Topics include: How industry relates to design justice ideas. Shifting roles in design. Ways to incorporate design justice […]

Uneasiness with AI Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss sources of uneasiness with AI and its use within industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss sources of uneasiness with AI. Topics include: The challenge of AI to authenticity. Integrating AI into our current processes and what that could mean for reliability. The availability […]

Even in non-toxic workplaces, it can be difficult for us individually to take breaks from what we are doing. This can be a small break like a walk, or a holiday. These breaks are crucial as the human brain needs to routinely reset. But this can be hard to justify ... even if we know in principle we are over all better off.

Ever wondered if the number a calculation (or software package giving you that number) is right? You might be surprised to find out that the same data that is fed into different equations or software packages supposed to evaluate the same thing ... give different results! How can this be?

Pace of Facilitating Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the ideal pace for teaching and facilitating teams. Too fast and students or team members cannot keep up. Too slow and the team loses interest. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to set the right pace for teaching or facilitating teams. Topics include: […]

Reliability Ethics Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the broad subject of reliability ethics, what it means, and how it impacts reliability professionals. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the role of reliability engineers when facing ethical decisions and circumstances. Topics include: The role of company culture in defining acceptable behavior Social barriers […]