When testing multi-story structures on a shaking table, most testing facilities require a reduced scale model. Producing scale test units at small scale is particularly challenging for unreinforced masonry structures. Previous work by other researchers showed that scaling of units and mortar joints is mandatory in order to obtain for the reduced scale masonry failure modes, which are similar to...

Over the last few years, considerable effort has gone into the study of the failure mechanisms and reliability of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Although still very incomplete, our knowledge of the reliability issues relevant to MEMS is growing. This paper provides an overview of MEMS failure mechanisms that are commonly encountered. It focuses on the reliability issues of micro-scale d...

When test is done right, that is to an acceptable quality specification (and without impeding productivity and cost), defective parts fail the screening process. Without splitting hairs on definition, diagnosis and debug digs deeper to determine why the part is unacceptable. Troubleshooting how and why a part (or system) fails is important. For example, this may be needed for yield improvement,...

In this paper, we present a framework, called Embedded-System Safety Aspects Visualization (ESSAVis), that is a system prototype designed to analyze the safety aspects of embedded systems. The ESSAVis prototype provides a 3D environment that aids in detecting infected components in the hardware of the target embedded system. The prototype also provides an abstract representation for the failure...

The hardmetal cutting tools used in machining are submitted to extreme conditions in terms of temperature and mechanical loading. A better understanding of the failure of cutting tools and capability to predict tool life are key factors in the development of new tool materials with improved mechanical behaviour. Main failure mechanisms are wear, thermal–mechanical fatigue and brittle fracture. ...

The demand for volume deployment of photonic components has increased, and with it the need to effectively manufacture in a reproducible and cost effective way. Therefore, it is important to keep the assembly process consistent and stable. A simple shear test setup was used in this study to determine the shear force that can be used as an instant indicator to the process stability of fiber arra...

The survival signature has been introduced to simplify quantification of reliability of systems which consist of components of different types, with multiple components of at least one of these types. The survival signature generalizes the system signature, which has attracted much interest in the theoretical reliability literature but has limited practical value as it can only be used for syst...

Tensile stress-strain curves a r e obtained at s t rain rates of %lo-'+, ~ 1 0 and c1000/s for carbon, Kevlar and glass fibre woven-reinforced polyester resin compos i tes and the variation of modulus, tensile strength and fracture strain with strain rate is determined. A change in the failure mode at the highest strain rates is observed for the glass but not the carbon or Kevlar reinforced com...

Statistical evaluation of historical dike failure mechanism The failure mechanism of flood protection dikes includes physical (geotechnical, seepage) processes leading to a dike breach. An awareness of the failure mechanism is required directly in dike stability calculations and indirectly for risk calculations. Statistics of historical data indicate among others the distribution and frequency ...