Signature reliability of binary state node in complex bridge networks using universal generating function

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate various reliability measures like reliability, expected lifetime (mean time to failure), signature reliability and compare networks based on the different flows.Design/methodology/approachThe reliability characteristics of complex bridge networks have been evaluated using different algorithms with the help of universal generating function (UGF). Further, the signature reliability of the considered networks has been determined using Owen’s method.FindingsThe present paper proposes an efficient algorithm to compute the reliability indices of complex bridge networks having i.i.d. lifetime components (nodes, edges) with the help of UGF and Owen’s method. This study reveals that a slight change in the complex bridge network affects the reliability significantly. Finally, by the reliability structure function, proposed algorithms are used to find the signature and MTTF. From signature, we have determined the different failure probabilities corresponding to edges of the network.Originality/valueIn this work, we have evaluated reliability characteristics and signature reliability of the complex bridge networks using UGF method and Owen’s method respectively unlike done in the past.