Age replacement policies for two-component systems with stochastic dependence

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate age replacement policies for two-component parallel system with stochastic dependence. The stochastic dependence considered, is modeled by a one-sided domino effect. The failure of component 1 at instant t may induce the failure of component 2 at instant t+τ with probability p 1→2. The time delay τ is a random variable with known probability density function h p 1→2 (.). The system is considered in a failed state when both components are failed. The proposed replacement policies suggest to replace the system upon failure or at age T whichever occurs first. Design/methodology/approach – In the first policy, costs and durations associated with maintenance activities are supposed to be constant. In the second replacement policy, the preventive replacement cost depends on the system’s state and age. The expected cost per unit of time over an infinite span is derived and numerical examples are presented. Findings – In this paper and especially in the second policy, the authors find that the authors can get a more economical policy if the authors consider that the preventive replacement cost is not constant but depends on T. Originality/value – In this paper, the authors take into account of the stochastic dependence between system components. This dependence affects the global reliability of the system and replacement’s periodicity. It can be used to measure the performance of the system et introduced into design phase of the system.