The bathtub curve is a term used in engineering and reliability analysis to describe the probability distribution of failure rates over time. It is called a bathtub curve because its shape resembles that of a bathtub. The curve is a graphical representation of the life cycle of a product or system, showing the likelihood of failure at different stages of its life.
Definitions
The bathtub curve is a graphical representation of the failure rate of a product or system over time. It is divided into three stages: early life, useful life, and wear-out. In the early life stage, the failure rate is high due to manufacturing defects. In the useful life stage, the failure rate is low and remains constant. In the wear-out stage, the failure rate increases due to aging and wear and tear.
Origin
The origin of the bathtub curve can be traced back to the 1950s when it was first used by the aerospace industry to analyze the reliability of electronic components. The curve was later adopted by other industries, including automotive, medical, and telecommunications.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the bathtub curve is “a graph showing the failure rate of a product over time, with high initial failure rates, a period of low failure rates, and then a rise in failure rates due to wear and tear.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the bathtub curve as “a graph depicting the likelihood of failure of a product over time, with a high initial failure rate followed by a period of low failure rates and then a rise in failure rates due to wear and tear.”
Associations
The bathtub curve is associated with reliability engineering, quality control, and risk management. It is used to analyze the failure rate of products and systems and to identify potential failure modes and causes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of the bathtub curve include the “failure rate curve,” “reliability curve,” and “life cycle curve.”
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of the bathtub curve, but some related terms include the “survival curve” and the “hazard rate curve.”
The same root words
The term “bathtub curve” is derived from the shape of the curve, which resembles a bathtub. The word “bathtub” comes from the Old English word “bað,” meaning “bath,” and “tub” is a shortened form of “bathtub.”
Example Sentences
- The bathtub curve is a useful tool for analyzing the reliability of electronic components.
- The wear-out stage of the bathtub curve is characterized by an increasing failure rate due to aging and wear and tear.
- The bathtub curve shows that the failure rate of a product is highest in the early life stage.