Title: Fuzzy reliability analysis of plastic-pipe manufacturing system using non-linear programming approach

Authors: Komal

Addresses: Department of Mathematics, Birla Campus, Srinagar (Garhwal), H.N.B. Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar (Garhwal)-246174, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract: This paper computes different reliability parameters for plastic-pipe manufacturing system in the form of fuzzy membership functions. An available uncertain data which reflects its failure and repair pattern has been utilised while fuzzy Lambda-Tau (FLT) and genetic algorithms-based Lambda-Tau (GABLT) techniques are used for this purpose. In FLT ordinary fuzzy arithmetic is used while GABLT utilises ordinary arithmetic and non-linear programming approach. The computed results, as obtained by the two techniques, are compared. Sensitivity analysis has been done to analyse the effect of different reliability parameters on system mean time between failures (MTBF). Based on results some important suggestions are given for future course of action in maintenance planning.

Keywords: reliability parameters; FLT technique; fuzzy lambda-tau; GABLT technique; fuzzy arithmetic; nonlinear programming; genetic algorithms; fuzzy reliability analysis; plastic pipes; pipe manufacturing; fuzzy logic; mean time between failures; MTBF; maintenance planning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2014.060824

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2014 Vol.17 No.1, pp.98 - 114

Published online: 07 Jun 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article