electrical failure mechanisms

[jolus]

I'm interning at a nuclear power plant and have been tasked with researching failure mechanisms to assist in a FMEA analysis. I've been having trouble finding information on the web. What I need to know is failure mechanisms for the more simple electrical components, e.g. resistors, capacitors, transformers, breakers, etc. If anyone has a list handy, or knows of a good resource, let me know. Thanks.

 

[DougMSOE]

Electrical components fail in 1 or combinations of the following 3
1.) chemical
2.) mechanical
3.) electrical
For example 1, resistor
Over heating would be chemical. Sometimes others will add a 4th way as heating, but in reality, there is a chemical change via heating.
For example 2, resistor
Sudden electrical surge might cause an electrical failure in the insulation.
For example 3, resistor
Located in an area where high vibration is present, mechanical failure.
All electrical failures can be brought to 1 or a combination of the above 3.

 

[electricpete]

There is a wealth of data available at a nuclear site thru EPRI, INPO, NRC.

EPRI 1003568 - Collected Field Data on Electronic Part Failures and Aging in Nuclear Power Plant I&C Systems.

There are many more. Ask around the engineering department (systems engineering, component engineering, reliability engineering) and most of those guys will have done similar review already and be familiar with material available.

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