Title: A fuzzy simulation algorithm for estimating availability functions in time-dependent complex systems

Authors: Ali Azadeh, Vahid Ebrahimipour, Foad Ghoreishi

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanic, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1439955961, Tehran, Iran. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanic, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1439955961, Tehran, Iran. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Center of Excellence for Intelligent-Based Experimental Mechanic, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1439955961, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: This paper introduces a fuzzy discrete-event simulation in order to estimate availability functions in time-dependent real systems, especially when insufficient data are available. Fuzzy numbers are used to describe uncertain activity durations (in this research failure/repair durations), reflecting vagueness, imprecision and subjectivity in the estimation of them. Specifically, this paper describes a general algorithm based on fuzzy simulation, which can be used to analyse a wide range of time-dependent complex systems, including those presenting multiple states, dependencies among failure/repair times or non-perfect maintenance policies even when insufficient data are available. The proposed algorithm is implemented for a Remote Telecommunications System by Visual SLAM simulation. It is also compared with conventional simulation to show its advantages and superiority. Furthermore, it can handle both crisp and non-crisp data for estimating availability functions in time-dependent complex systems.

Keywords: fuzzy simulation; fuzzy logic; system availability; DES; discrete event simulation; time-dependent systems; complex systems; remote telecommunications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2011.039669

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2011 Vol.7 No.4, pp.429 - 453

Published online: 31 Jan 2015 *

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