Smart Structures and Systems

Volume 14, Number 4, 2014, pages 559-567

DOI: 10.12989/sss.2014.14.4.559

Reliability analysis of repairable k-out-n system from time response under several times stochastic shocks

Yongfeng Fang, Wenliang Tao and Kong Fah Tee

Abstract

The model of unit dynamic reliability of repairable k/n (G) system with unit strength degradation under repeated random shocks has been developed according to the stress-strength interference theory. The unit failure number is obtained based on the unit failure probability which can be computed from the unit dynamic reliability. Then, the transfer probability function of the repairable k/n (G) system is given by its Markov property. Once the transfer probability function has been obtained, the probability density matrix and the steady-state probabilities of the system can be retrieved. Finally, the dynamic reliability of the repairable k/n (G) system is obtained by solving the differential equations. It is illustrated that the proposed method is practicable, feasible and gives reasonable prediction which conforms to the engineering practice.

Key Words

random shocks; repairable; k/n (G) system; dynamic; reliability

Address

Yongfeng Fang and Wenliang Tao: School of Mechanical Engineering, Bijie University, Bijie 551700, China Kong Fah Tee: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Greenwich, Kent, ME4 4TB, U.K.