Title: GenRel: A computerised model for reliability prediction of mining machinery

Authors: Nick Vayenas, Xiangxi Wu

Addresses: Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6 ON, Canada. ' Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL), Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, P3E 2C6 ON, Canada

Abstract: This paper discusses ongoing research regarding the application of theoretical probability distributions to a reliability assessment model called GenRel. GenRel is a computer model for reliability analysis of mining equipment based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs). The reliability changes over time due to several covariates/factors (e.g., equipment age, operating environment, repairs). In our model, the variability over time of the reliability function is assumed to follow the biological evolution process. This paper focuses on the redesigned computational logic of GenRel and on the model|s applicability. Data from Load-Haul-Dump vehicles from an underground mine was used to test GenRel.

Keywords: computer simulation; GAs; genetic algorithms; reliability prediction; mining machinery; machine reliability; reliability assessmen; mining equipment; biological evolution; load-haul-dump vehicles; underground mines.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2009.029320

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.365 - 382

Published online: 19 Nov 2009 *

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