Degrading systems availability analysis: analytical semi-Markov approach

Abstract

This paper deals with modeling and analysis of complex mechanical systems that deteriorate with age. As systems age, the questions on their availability and reliability start to surface. The system is believed to suffer from internal stochastic degradation mechanism that is described as a gradual and continuous process of performance deterioration. Therefore, it becomes difficult for maintenance engineer to model such system. Semi-Markov approach is proposed to analyze the degradation of complex mechanical systems. It involves constructing states corresponding to the system functionality status and constructing kernel matrix between the states. The construction of the transition matrix takes the failure rate and repair rate into account. Once the steady-state probability of the embedded Markov chain is computed, one can compute the steady-state solution and finally, the system availability. System models based on perfect repair without opportunistic and with opportunistic maintenance have been developed and the benefits of opportunistic maintenance are quantified in terms of increased system availability. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for a two-stage reciprocating air compressor with intercooler in between, system in series configuration.