Definition
Degradation is the general, progressive decline in an asset's condition or performance over time: the broad state that specific mechanisms like wear, corrosion, or fatigue each describe a particular way of producing. It is the umbrella concept condition monitoring tracks trends against, before a specific mechanism is identified.
Key facts
- A general, umbrella term for progressive decline, not itself a specific mechanism like wear, corrosion, or fatigue.
- What condition-monitoring trend data actually tracks: a gradual worsening of a measured signal over time.
- A specific investigation (visual inspection, oil analysis, vibration analysis) is needed to identify which specific mechanism is driving observed degradation.
- Distinguishing the general trend (degradation) from its specific cause (a mechanism) is a key step before selecting a corrective action.
What does Degradation reveal about failures?
Degradation describes the general trend of an asset's condition or performance worsening over time (a rising vibration level, an increasing temperature baseline, a slowly declining flow rate) without, by itself, identifying which specific physical or chemical mechanism is causing that trend.
How do teams use Degradation in failure analysis?
Wear, corrosion, and fatigue are each a specific mechanism that can produce degradation. Degradation is the general, observed condition trend; identifying which specific mechanism is responsible requires further investigation: the same degrading trend line could result from any of several different underlying mechanisms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does the progressive deterioration of an asset condition mean?
Degradation: a general, progressive decline in an asset's condition or performance over time, which a specific mechanism such as wear, corrosion, or fatigue may be found to be driving upon further investigation.
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