Title: Availability modelling and evaluation of a repairable system subject to minor deterioration under imperfect repairs

Authors: Ibrahim Yusuf

Addresses: Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano, PMB 3011, Nigeria

Abstract: Many engineering systems are subjected to deterioration, meaning that during the course of time their conditions fall to failure levels. Such systems and their components are either repaired at failure or replaced before or after failure. However not every deterioration can bring about sudden failure of the system. Some deterioration can slightly reduce the strength of the system until at some point failure occurs. Such deterioration is said to be minor deterioration. This paper deals with the modelling and evaluation of availability of a system subjected to minor deterioration under imperfect repair. In this paper, we developed the explicit expression of system availability using probabilistic approach and determine the effect of failure, repair rate and number of states on system availability. The optimal availability level the system can attain is also determined. The results of this paper will enhance the system performance and useful for timely execution of proper maintenance improvement, decision, planning and optimisation.

Keywords: availability modelling; availability evaluation; repairable systems; minor deterioration; imperfect repairs; number of states; system availability; maintenance planning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2015.065955

International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.42 - 51

Received: 03 May 2013
Accepted: 24 Jul 2013
Published online: 12 Jan 2015 *

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