(meca_9_1)= # Process for mechanical reliability predicition The approach for mechanical {term}`reliability prediction ` in space applications presented in this handbook is based on the following three steps, which are described in different paragraphs: * **Failure mechanism identification and focus** ({numref}`meca_9_4`) The goal of this step is to decide what needs to be modelled, allowing to focus the analysis on items and {term}`failure mechanisms ` with non-negligible probability of failure. * **Selection of suitable methods and models** ({numref}`meca_9_5`) The method selection is centred around the dominating failure mechanisms identified in the first step with a focus on Physics of Failure (PoF) methods for reliability prediction. A more general overview considering all potential methods and inputs is found in {numref}`meca_9_3`. * **Method implementation** ({numref}`meca_9_6` and {numref}`meca_9_7`, {numref}`meca_9_8` for examples) Methods and models to derive reliability estimates for different failure mechanisms are discussed with a focus on PoF based methods. The implementation of other methods (e.g. {term}`statistical methods ` for a data-based approach) is discussed in {numref}`meca_9_3`. Before addressing these three steps, the following information is provided: * {numref}`meca_9_2` contains a discussion of the different {term}`failure root causes ` (as classified in {ref}`Part 1 - Methodologies `) and their coverage during mechanical {term}`reliability prediction `. * {numref}`meca_9_3` contains a discussion of the different reliability prediction methods and inputs introduced in {ref}`Part 2 - Methods `.