The “Bath tub” Curve Explained by Andre Michel Ferrari

André-Michel Ferrari, Owner of Cogito Reliability Inc
In the Reliability and Maintenance world, we often refer to what is known as the “Bath Tub” curve and ask the question: “what is the “Bath Tub” curve for this equipment?”. The name “Bath Tub” comes from the equipment failure rate curve resembling a sanitary bathtub’s longitudinal section. In reality, it is rarely symmetrical, and looks rather like a distorted “u” or “v” shaped figure.
The bathtub curve can be useful in various circumstances and help an operator better manage their assets over time. However, it is important to understand where it comes from and what it means so we can avoid misusing or misinterpreting it. The author will introduce the concept and explain how it is constructed as well and its various uses in asset management.