In RCM analysis, which term describes the expected frequency of failures?

The term that describes the expected frequency of failures in RCM analysis is "Failure rate." This concept quantifies how often a particular failure is anticipated within a specified period of time, usually represented as failures per unit of time or cycles.

Understanding failure rate is crucial in RCM because it helps organizations prioritize maintenance efforts based on the likelihood of equipment failures. A higher failure rate indicates a greater risk of equipment downtime and can signal the need for more immediate attention or preventive maintenance.

In comparison to the other terms, "failure mode" refers to the way in which a failure manifests, but it does not convey the frequency of that failure. The "reliability index" is a measure of the expected performance and availability of a system over time, which relates to the probability of system performance but not specifically to failure frequency. Lastly, "risk assessment" is a broader process that evaluates the potential risks associated with equipment and operations, taking into account both the probability and impact of various failure modes, rather than focusing solely on the expected frequency of failures.