Failure mode and effects analysis based on Z-numbers

The main objective of this paper is to propose a new method for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) based on Z-numbers. In the proposed method, firstly, Z-numbers are used to perform the valuations (Z-valuation) of the risk factors like occurrence (O), severity (S) and detection (D). Secondly, the Z-valuations of the risk factors are integrated by fuzzy weighted mean method. A new risk priority number named as ZRPN is calculated to prioritize failure modes based on a modified method of ranking fuzzy numbers. Finally, a case study for the rotor blades of an aircraft turbine is performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.