Risk Priority Number (RPN)

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a powerful numerical technique for solving complex engineering and physics problems described by partial differential equations. It works by discretizing a continuous domain into a set of smaller, simpler subdomains called 'finite elements'. This allows for the approximate numerical solution of problems in structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, and electromagnetism.

Interpolation is the computational process within a CNC controller that generates a sequence of intermediate coordinate points to create a smooth path between programmed endpoints. The most fundamental types are linear interpolation (G01) for straight lines and circular interpolation (G02/G03) for arcs. This allows complex profiles to be machined from simple geometric commands in the G-code program.

G-code, formally known as RS-274, is the most prevalent programming language for controlling CNC machines. It consists of sequential commands that instruct the machine on positioning, speed, and specific actions. Commands begin with a letter address; 'G' denotes preparatory commands for motion (e.g., G01 for linear feed), while 'M' signifies miscellaneous functions (e.g., M03 for spindle start).

Verification and validation (V&V) are distinct processes. Verification ensures a product meets its specified requirements ("Are you building it right?"). Validation ensures the product meets the user's actual needs and intended use ("Are you building the right thing?"). They are complementary activities within quality management, often performed sequentially or in parallel to ensure both correctness and usefulness.

The repeatability limit, [latex]r[/latex], is a critical value derived from the repeatability standard deviation ([latex]s_r[/latex]). It represents the maximum expected absolute difference between two single test results, obtained under repeatability conditions, with a 95% probability. It is commonly calculated as [latex]r = 2.8 \times s_r[/latex]. If the difference exceeds [latex]r[/latex], the results are considered suspect.

The Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition is a necessary stability criterion for numerical solutions of hyperbolic partial differential equations using explicit time-integration schemes. It dictates that the time step size must be small enough that information does not travel further than one spatial grid cell per time step. For a 1D case, [latex]C = u \frac{\Delta t}{\Delta x} \le C_{max}[/latex], ensuring numerical stability.

The reliability function, R(t), defines the probability that a system or component will perform its required function without failure for a specified time 't'. For systems with a constant failure rate (λ), it is described by the exponential distribution: [latex]R(t) = e^{-\lambda t}[/latex]. This function is fundamental to predicting the longevity and performance of a product.

A classic illustration of the Monte Carlo method is estimating the value of [latex]\pi[/latex]. By inscribing a circle of radius [latex]r[/latex] within a square of side length [latex]2r[/latex], the ratio of their areas is [latex]\frac{\pi r^2}{(2r)^2} = \frac{\pi}{4}[/latex]. Randomly scattering points within the square and counting the fraction [latex]p[/latex] that fall inside the circle provides an estimate: [latex]\pi \approx 4p[/latex].

Verification techniques are broadly classified as static or dynamic. Static verification (or static analysis) examines the system's code or design without executing it. Examples include code reviews, inspections, and automated static analysis tools. Dynamic verification (or testing) involves executing the system with a set of inputs and observing its behavior to find defects. Both are complementary for comprehensive quality assurance.

The Finite Volume Method (FVM) is a dominant numerical technique in CFD for solving partial differential equations. It discretizes the domain into a mesh of control volumes and applies the governing equations in their integral form to each volume. By converting volume integrals to surface integrals using the divergence theorem, it focuses on calculating the flux of conserved properties across cell faces.

Formal verification is the use of mathematical methods to prove or disprove the correctness of a system's design with respect to a formal specification. Unlike testing, which can only show the presence of bugs for specific inputs, formal verification can prove their absence for all possible inputs. It involves creating a formal model of the system and using techniques like model checking or theorem proving.

Signal detection is the process of identifying potential causal relationships between a drug and an adverse event from large datasets, typically spontaneous reporting systems. It uses statistical methods, known as disproportionality analysis, to find drug-event combinations reported more frequently than expected. A common measure is the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), a value greater than one suggesting a potential signal that requires further investigation.