The Failure-Experience Matrix—A Useful Design Tool

A three-dimensional failure-experience cell matrix is proposed for the purpose of organizing and analyzing existing failure experience data. In the proposed matrix the three axes represent failure modes, elemental mechanical functions, and corrective actions. The usefulness of the failure-experience matrix is demonstrated by investigating over 500 individual failed parts from U. S. Army helicopters. It is proposed that data from all industry should be gathered and inserted into a central failure-experience matrix and made accessible to all designers.