The establishment and application of a new reliability model for EMUs based on failure data

Purpose In order to improve the prediction accuracy of key components of high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) as well as reasonably making maintenance formulations and life extension schemes, a new reliability model is proposed. Design/methodology/approach The reliability model is proposed based on the field failure data for the deterministic and the uncertain life, respectively. For the deterministic life, a reliability function with time as a variable is established based on the failure data and the utilization environment of the key components and the theory of Weibull distribution. For the uncertain life, the reliability model is established by utilizing the residual ratio method and the reliability confidence lower limit estimation method, respectively, and the difference between the two methods is compared. Findings The new reliability model is applied to the maintenance formulation and life extension schemes of specific EMUs. The results illustrate that the reliability model provides a reliable basis for making reasonable maintenance formulations and life extension schemes, which successfully overcomes the shortcomings of inaccurate prediction of the classical models. Originality/value There are relatively few studies on the reliability model based on failure data. In this article, the new model is proposed and applied for reliability analysis, which provides theoretical support in the field of rail vehicles for safe operation and life-cycle management.