Reliability model for helicopter main gearbox lubrication system using influence diagrams

The loss of oil from a helicopter main gearbox (MGB) leads to increased friction between components, a rise in component surface temperatures, and subsequent mechanical failure of gearbox components. A number of significant helicopter accidents have been caused due to such loss of lubrication. This...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reliability engineering & system safety 2015-07, Vol.139, p.50-57
Main Authors: Rashid, H.S.J., Place, C.S., Mba, D., Keong, R.L.C., Healey, A., Kleine-Beek, W., Romano, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aircraft accidents
Borides
Fault trees
Gearboxes
Helicopter main gearbox lubrication
Helicopters
Human error
Influence diagrams
Lubrication
Lubrication systems
Magnesium compounds
Mathematical models
Pressurized lubrication system failures
System reliability
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Summary:The loss of oil from a helicopter main gearbox (MGB) leads to increased friction between components, a rise in component surface temperatures, and subsequent mechanical failure of gearbox components. A number of significant helicopter accidents have been caused due to such loss of lubrication. This paper presents a model to assess the reliability of helicopter MGB lubricating systems. Safety risk modeling was conducted for MGB oil system related accidents in order to analyse key failure mechanisms and the contributory factors. Thus, the dominant failure modes for lubrication systems and key contributing components were identified. The Influence Diagram (ID) approach was then employed to investigate reliability issues of the MGB lubrication systems at the level of primary causal factors, thus systematically investigating a complex context of events, conditions, and influences that are direct triggers of the helicopter MGB lubrication system failures. The interrelationships between MGB lubrication system failure types were thus identified, and the influence of each of these factors on the overall MGB lubrication system reliability was assessed. This paper highlights parts of the HELMGOP project, sponsored by the European Aviation Safety Agency to improve helicopter main gearbox reliability. •We investigated methods to optimize helicopter MGB oil system run-dry capability.•Used Influence Diagram to assess design and maintenance factors of MGB oil system.•Factors influencing overall MGB lubrication system reliability were identified.•This globally influences current and future helicopter MGB designs.
ISSN:0951-8320
1879-0836
DOI:10.1016/j.ress.2015.01.021