UPPER BOUNDS FOR THE MEAN LIFE OF SELF-REPAIRING SYSTEMS,
Abstract
Upper bounds are obtained for the mean life of a self-repairing system consisting of several identical machines, spare parts, and the neces sary connecting and wiring mechanism. No de tailed knowledge is assumed about the machines, except that each is by itself capable of perform ing the function required of the system, and that three of these machines may be interconnected to diagnose and direct the repair of a suspected fault in a fourth machine. The time required for diagnosis and repair is a random variable. Sys tem mean life is obtained by selecting random machine lifetimes for a system simulated on an electronic computer. The switching mechanism is assumed to function without failures. The com putation time is of the order of .2 milliseconds for each time a machine is put into operation. To check the results obtained by simulation, ex act analysis is performed for a simplified sys tem. An improvement by a factor greater than 100 in system mean life over the mean life of a machine is attainable if the repair and condi tioning times are of the order of 1/200 of the mean life of a machine and a sufficient supply of spare parts is available. The systems need about 20 machines for efficient operation. System mean life is found to be quite sensitive to changes in the stress factor of spare machines. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0418174
Entities
People
- Jaan Kruus
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign