Why does equipment fail? The answer to this question can be explained in terms of the relationship between its strength and the stresses imposed on it. Let us analyze the reasons more specifically:
(1) Uncorrected deterioration
All equipment deteriorates with time, causing its design strength to dissipate. Eventually, it may become unable to withstand the stresses placed on it during operation, whereupon it fails.
(2) Unchecked stress
Equipment sometimes fails, even though it maintains the specified strength when forces are applied to it greater than those envisioned at the design stage.
(3) Insufficient strength
Equipment may fail under normal stresses if there is an inherent weakness in its design.
4M Analysis Process
The purpose of this procedure is to define the steps to do a 4M …
