On the class of limit reliability functions of homogeneous series-“ k-out-of- n” systems

Abstract

The problem of finding possible limit reliability functions of basic systems is well known. For instance Gnedenko [Ann. Math. 44 (1943) 432–453] has found a class of possible limit reliability functions for series and parallel systems. Smirnov [Trudy Matem. Inst. im. V.A. Stelkova, 1949] has solved the problem for “ k-out-of- n” systems. In this paper these two areas are brought together and a class of limit reliability functions of homogeneous series-“ k-out-of- n” systems is presented. Moreover some applications are given as well.