The Reliability of Load Sharing Systems.

Abstract

Abstract : The optimal replacement theory for fault tolerant load sharing systems was developed under the support of the grant. As components fail, the system deteriorates. Where failed components cannot be replaced individually, an algorithm was found that determines the optimal policy for replacing the entire system. Load sharing systems arise as models for the failure process of certain composite materials such as Kevlar fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix, or for certain semi-crystalline polymer fibers themselves. Because of the astronomical numbers of components in these models, their analysis is quite difficult. A simple model that describes the failure process but is far more easily understood and manipulated, has been developed and its accuracy compared with that of a more complex and less well understood model. The agreement is excellent. Because of its simplicity, the new model is more easily extended to cover a wider variety of load sharing systems.