Evaluating the Reliability of a Marine Diesel Engine Using the Weibull Distribution

The reliability analysis of an FBM Model 38 marine diesel engine, using the Weibull distribution was carried out in this paper. The Weibull parameters, Probability Density Function (PDF), Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) and the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of failed parts of the engine were analyzed and reliability of the system was ultimately determined. It was observed that the reliability of the marine diesel engine is inversely proportional to the service time. Results obtained were used to predict future failures of the observed components. Data from the plots showed a shape factor (β) of 6.17031, characteristic life (η) of 9435.29 for the scavenging blower roller bearing. The blower MTBF is 8766.80. There was no expected blower bearing failure in the next four years of engine operations under normal condition. The Turbocharger ball bearing has a β of 2.88035 and η of 7165.63, the MTBF is 6387.74 while 2 turbocharger bearings are estimated to fail in the next 4 years, if the initial failed bearings were replaced. Furthermore, the Injector nozzles tips have β of 2.78436 and η of 11451 and MTBF of 10194.50 three injector tips were expected to fail in the next four years of engine operations. This research is important as it provides a bases for developing a Weibull library for the marine engine components in other to analyze the failure pattern for an improved maintenance management of the engines.