A Reliability Reformulation with Application to Complex Systems.
Abstract
The paper concerns the description of stochastic behavior of a class of complex systems. The class of problems considered is that of semi-Markov processes with finite expected lifetimes. The application examined is a complex system composed of parts connected in series each with independent exponential failure distributions. An additional spare system and a finite number of spare parts are provided. The spare parts are used for repair; the systems are interchangeable so that one may operate while the other is being repaired. Failure occurs when both systems are out of operation simultaneously or when the supply of spare parts is exhausted. The model combines features of the spare parts problem and the repairable item problem, both of which have been previously studied in the theory of reliability. The expected duration of total lifetime, operating lifetime, and time spent in any state is derived for the cases of exponential and general repair distributions. Modifications and extensions considered include the resupply of spare parts of the system. Appended is an extensive bibliograph of reliabilty theory work in the description of stochastic behavior of complex systems. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0728005
Entities
People
- Timothy M. Corcoran
Organizations
- Stanford University