Example engineering dissertation topic 4:

The use of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for electrical systems in shipping: Ticking boxes or an essential tool?

Control system software is an essential aspect of vessels today; that such systems work effectively can be a matter of life and death for those serving at sea. To this end, institutions such as the US Coast Guard require that risk analysis tools such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) studies are undertaken to evaluate not only individual components within a vessel but with the system as a whole. However, some shipyards view this process as an unnecessary burden and cost. This dissertation records one-on-one interviews with chartered engineers who report pressure from shipyards to write highly compliant studies, and reviews the current literature, including statutory regulations.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Smogeli, Ø. and Skogdalen, J.E. (2011) Third party HIL testing of safety critical control system software on ships and rigs. Paper, Offshore Technology Conference, 2-5 May 2011, Houston, TX.Soman, R.R., Davidson, E.M. and McArthur, S.D.J. (2009) Using functional failure mode and effects analysis to design the monitoring and diagnostics architecture for the zonal MVDC shipboard power system. Electric Ship Technologies Symposium, 20-22 April 2009, Baltimore MD.
• Zhong, W., Lin, S. and Chen, J. (2011) ‘Application of FMEA on marine main engine lubrication system’, Ship Science and Technology, Vol. 9. Available at: http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-JCKX201109017.htm [accessed 26 May 2011].