Comparison of two stochastic models for two-unit series system with cold standbys

Abstract

Reliability characteristics are compared for two stochastic models of a system that has two non-identical units, arranged in series, each unit with its identical cold standby. The same set of assumptions is used for both models, except that in model 2 both of the standby units replace the failed operative unit instantaneously whereas in model 1 an operative failed unit is replaced by its corresponding standby unit (i.e. only one unit is replaced in this case). A single repair facility is available to repair the failed unit. Failure and repair time distributions are assumed to be negative exponential.