Accession Number:

AD0770210

Title:

A Reliability Investigation of Personal Flotation Devices. Phase 1.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

OPERATIONS RESEARCH INC SILVER SPRING MD

Personal Author(s):

• Greenhouse,L.
• Kerne,B.
• Weiers,D.

Report Date:

1973-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

90.0

Abstract:

A methodology for developing a personal flotation device PFD reliability index is defined. This methodology consists of the formulation of functional and configurational models that lead to a set of reliability equations. These equations permit the calculation of overall PFD reliability, the probability that an undetected defect exists in a PFD component, and the probability that a defect is detected in a PFD component. A test plan is provided that provides guidance as to the nature of the tests that should be run and the manner in which test results can be used to estimate parameters that are part of the PFD reliability index equations. A series of recommendations is included that suggests specific follow-up actions for the enhancement of PFD reliability and improvements in their role as lifesaving devices. Author

Descriptors:

• *Marine safety equipment
• *Life jackets
• *Life preservers
• Reliability
• Model tests
• Equations

Subject Categories:

• Escape, Rescue and Survival

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE