Title: Behaviour analysis and resource optimisation for an industrial system

Authors: Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Dinesh Kumar, Pradeep Kumar

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, NIT Hamirpur – 177005 H.P., India. ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, IIT Roorkee, 247667, India. ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, IIT Roorkee, 247667, India

Abstract: The paper aims to present a unified and structured approach to analyse the failure behaviour of an industrial system (paper machine) by simultaneous adoption of both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Using the principles of fuzzy mathematics, the imprecise, uncertain and vague information regarding the system failure is quantified in terms of fuzzy, crisp and defuzzified values. Further, using crisp output values of the unit|s reliability and relevant system information (number of components, manpower and cost ranges), the problem of resource allocation for the system has been solved. To integrate the subjective judgements, experience and expertise of experts in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) in a more flexible manner, a risk-ranking approach based on fuzzy decision-making system is discussed. The results obtained from the proposed study will help the system managers/engineers not only to analyse and predict the uncertain behaviour of the system in a more realistic manner, but also to adopt suitable maintenance practices/strategies for improving system performance to achieve targeted profits after successful optimisation of the resources.

Keywords: behaviour analysis; fuzzy theory; failure mode and effect analysis; FMEA; resource allocation; maintenance decisions; industrial systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2007.013187

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2007 Vol.2 No.4, pp.413 - 443

Published online: 11 Apr 2007 *

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