Engineering Approaches to Failure and Safety Assessment in Mechanical Systems
Keywords:
Mechanical Engineering, Risk Analysis, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), Reliability Analysis.Abstract
Risk analysis plays an important role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational performance of mechanical engineering systems. This paper presents a review of commonly used risk analysis techniques applied in mechanical engineering, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), and Risk Priority Number (RPN)-based approaches. Each technique is discussed with respect to its working principle, application areas, advantages, and limitations. Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods are also compared, and a general framework for selecting suitable techniques based on system complexity, data availability, and industrial requirements is presented. Illustrative case studies related to pressure vessel systems, rotating machinery, and aerospace structural components are included to explain practical applications of these methods. The review indicates that combined use of qualitative and quantitative approaches can improve risk identification and support better decision-making in complex engineering systems. The paper is intended to provide a useful reference for engineering students, researchers, and professionals working in the fields of mechanical system safety, maintenance, and reliability engineering.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yash Vikas Mali, Mudra Dhanraj Patil (Author)
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