Mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) is a reliability metric that quantifies the average elapsed time from deployment or activation to the first failure of a non-repairable component or system. It is calculated as total operational time divided by the number of failed units, serving as the primary measure for expected component lifespan in maintenance planning and spare parts provisioning. MTTF carves the distinction from MTBF by applying only to components designed for single-use or non-repair operation. [formal: mean-time-to-failure | substrate: mind | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.83]
Accepted ontology entry
mean-time-to-failure
Mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) is a reliability metric that quantifies the average elapsed time from deployment or activation to the first failure of a non-repairable component or system. It is calculated as total operational time divided by…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made reliability metric that quantifies the average elapsed time from deployment or activation to the first failure of a non-repairable component or system. Calculated as total operational time divided by the number of units that failed. Established through failure data collection and statistical analysis of component lifespans.
Names and aliases
- mean-time-to-failureen · CANONICAL
- mttfen · ALIAS
Relations from this entry
- cms7wyk72004ph6s8d82lhwqlSERVES →
MTTF is a reliability metric designed for the sake of reliability analysis — it quantifies expected component lifespan to inform reliability engineering decisions and maintenance strategies.
- cmrwiv1rn00a8soacg5vdpiogINSTANCE_OF →
MTTF quantifies expected time to component failure — a specific kind of metric used to predict system behavior. A competent speaker calls MTTF a metric. Law 9 INSTANCE_OF, specific→general.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Aug 7, 2026, 6:23 PM UTC
- Content hash
- 17ff8860f960651288835ba474e2b561ed35c6a6917053025367440114af9890