Steady-State Reliability Analysis of Repairable Systems Subject to System Modifications

Abstract

Environmentally conscious design is approached through analysis and further development of a reliability model that facilitates design for reuse of products. Many reliability models may not he suitable for describing systems that undergo repairs performed during remanufacture and maintenance since they do not allow for the possibility of system reconfiguration. In this paper, expressions of reliability indices of a model that allows system modifications during repair are derived. These reliability indices that describe a population of repairable systems are theoretically proven to reach steady state, supporting the simulation results of the model. This model can be used to estimate life-cycle replacement requirements for systems that are remanufactured, thereby facilitating decisions during system design and use. An example illustrates the application of the model to a relevant industry.