Step 1: Creating a Dynamic Reliability Model

One of the key distinctions between traditional reliability approaches and the GoldSim reliability approach is the way that time is treated. In many traditional reliability approaches, such as closed-form reliability equations, time is nothing more than a variable in the equation representing the service life of the component. GoldSim is quite different in that it is a dynamic simulator, meaning that events can occur, conditions can change and components can interact as time progresses over the course of the simulation.

Let's explore this concept by constructing a simple GoldSim model. If you wish to follow along, you can start to do so now by opening GoldSim (or if GoldSim is already open, by creating a new model by pressing the new model button or Ctrl+N).

Let's start by specifying the simulation settings (by pressing F2). When specifying the simulation settings, we will specify that the simulation will be an Elapsed Time simulation A simulation that tracks time using the elapsed time. with a duration of five years (5 yr), using a 1 yr Basic Step. Define the Time Display Units in years (yr):

At this point, we do not need to edit the Monte Carlo tab, as we will start by running a single realization A single model run within a Monte Carlo simulation. It represents one possible path the system could follow through time. (the default).