Lecture 01 - Video 01

A system is a set of mutually related items, brought together to perform a specified function.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A system can be defined as an aggregation of parts or elements, connected in some form of interaction or interdependence to form a complex or unitary whole. 

In other words, a system is a set of mutually related elements or parts assembled together in some specified order to perform an intended function.

Every set of items, facts, methods or procedures is a system.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A random collection of items cannot be called a system because of the absence of purpose and unit’s functional relationship. At most, it can be called a set of objects but not a system.

What are the key concepts that define functionability?

• Function, performance, operating conditions

• Function, operating conditions

• Performance, operating conditions

• Operating conditions

Answer explanation

Functionability is the inherent ability of a system to perform a required function with specified performance requirements and attributes, when it is utilized as specified (under certain operating conditions).

Is the following a performance requirement or operational condition:

"The robot shall light at least 95% of the candles during the shift."

• Operational condition

• Performance requirement

Answer explanation

A performance requirement defines the extent or how well, a function or task is to be performed. In turn, the operational conditions define under what conditions the function is performed.

A failure is...

• Event that results in either loss of ability to perform the required function or satisfy the required performance requirements

• A physical process.

• The way a system or component functionally fails.

Answer explanation

Failure is an event that results in either loss of ability to perform the required function or satisfy the required performance requirements.

Failure mechanism: the physical process that leads to failure.

Failure mode: the way a system or component functionally fails, that is, extent a certain function cannot be fulfilled anymore.

Failure Mechanisms are associated with

• deviant function.

• deviant physical condition or physical state.

Answer explanation

Failure Modes are associated with

• deviant function.

• deviant physical condition or physical state.

Answer explanation

Name the failure mechanism.

Answer explanation

Corrosion is a failure mechanism which occurs in varies metals because of a chemical or electrochemical interact with its medium.

Indicate the type of failure mechanism depicted.

Answer explanation

Fatigue is a failure mechanism that involves the cracking of materials and structural components due to cyclic (or fluctuating) stress.

At any instant of time can an engineering system be in both a state of functioning and state of failure?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

At any instant of time, the system can be in only one of two states:

•State of functioning (SoFu): System is functionable or in a ready state

•State of failure (SoFa): System is no longer functionable