A new multidimensional process type FMEA approach: Defense and aerospace industry application

Abstract

Purpose: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), one of the most used methods in the literature, is a powerful risk assessment tool. However, it has many weaknesses that need to be improved. In this study, in order to increase the efficiency of using FMEA; a new multidimensional process type FMEA (MDPT-FMEA) approach is proposed.

Theory and Methods: The MDPT-FMEA approach consists of three stages. At the first stage, Entropy, Preference Selection Index (PSI) and Criteria Importance through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) methods were used in the weighting of the risk criteria (RC). The different criteria weights obtained from these three different weighting methods were combined using the geometric mean operator and the integrated (final) weights were calculated. In the second stage, Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), Combinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS), Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) to prioritize failure modes (FMs) were used. In the third stage, different FM priorities obtained from these three different ranking methods were combined using the Technique of Precise Order (TPOP) method.

Results: The proposed MDPT-FMEA approach has been applied in a company operating in the defense and aerospace industry to evaluate the process-based FMs that may arise. In this study, different perspectives of different weighting and ranking methods are reflected in final criteria weights and final FM rankings.

Conclusion: For the first time, different weighting and different ranking methods are combined in FMEA. As a result of the Spearman Correlation Coefficient calculation, the validity of both of the final criteria weights obtained and the final FM rankings were discussed.