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.

Highlights

  • Degradation modeling of mechanical systems has drawn special attention of plant engineers as it is a crucial aspect of the execution of an effective maintenance plan

  • The primary objective of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for system availability assessment and to quantify the benefits of opportunistic maintenance in terms of increased system availability

  • Considering the importance of maintenance, this research has attempted to establish a framework for availability modelling and analysis of degrading system

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Summary

Introduction

Degradation modeling of mechanical systems has drawn special attention of plant engineers as it is a crucial aspect of the execution of an effective maintenance plan. Maintenance is the system’s design feature that enables the success of various maintenance activities including inspection, repair, replacement and diagnosis [28]. Whenever a system breakdown occurs due to sub-system/component failure, it enters the repair phase. With the capability to repair or restore a system which is under breakdown, a failure-repair-failure-repair cycle is introduced. The restoration cycle can be broken down into a variety of subtasks that include supply delay, maintenance delay, diagnosis, replacement or repair, alignment and verification, etc. The growing importance of maintenance has developed an increasing trend in designing and implementing optimal maintenance strategies to enhance system reliability, avoid system failures, and reduce system degradation maintenance cost [27]

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