Lecture 4 - Systems and Functions

Question 1

What is the structural perspective?

Answer 1

• Structural: the physical structure of the subsystems and components of a system

Question 2

What is the functional perspective?

Answer 2

• Functional: various functions of the system and how these functions are fulfilled

When considering:
* operation and reliability, we tend to have more focus on functional considerations
* manufacturing and maintenance, we tend to have more focus on structural considerations

Question 3

Define function

Answer 3

Function: what the owner or user of a physical asset or system wants it to do

Question 4

Define secondary function

Answer 4

Secondary function: functions a physical asset or system has to fulfil apart from its primary function(s), such as those needed to fulfil regulatory requirements and those which concern issues such as protection, control, containment, comfort, appearance, energy efficiency and structural integrity.

Question 5

What are the requirements of functions and perspectives

Answer 5

• Functions are usually associated with desired levels of performance.
• Hence ….a failure is the loss of ability to perform as required.