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Article
Publication date: 16 December 2019

Chandra Shekhar, Amit Kumar, Shreekant Varshney and Sherif I. Ammar

The internet of things and just-in-time are the embryonic model of innovation for the state-of-the-art design of the service system. This paper aims to develop a fault-tolerant…

Abstract

Purpose

The internet of things and just-in-time are the embryonic model of innovation for the state-of-the-art design of the service system. This paper aims to develop a fault-tolerant machining system with active and standby redundancy. The availability of the fault-tolerant redundant repairable system is a key concern in the successful deployment of the service system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors cogitate a fault-tolerant redundant repairable system of finite working units along with warm standby unit provisioning. Working unit and standby unit are susceptible to random failures, which interrupt the quality-of-service. The system is also prone to common cause failure, which tends its catastrophe. The instantaneous repair of failed unit guarantees the increase in the availability of the unit/system. The time-to-repair by the single service facility for the failed unit follows the arbitrary distribution. For increasing the practicability of the studied model, the authors have also incorporated real-time machining practices such as imperfect coverage of the failure of units, switching failure of standby unit, common cause failure, reboot delay, switch over delay, etc.

Findings

For deriving the explicit expression for steady-state probabilities of the system, the authors use a supplementary variable technique for which the only required input is the Laplace–Stieltjes transform (LST) of the repair time distribution.

Research limitations/implications

For complex and multi-parameters distribution of repair time, derivation of performance measures is not possible. The authors prefer numerical simulation because of its importance in the application for real-time uses.

Practical implications

The stepwise recursive procedure, illustrative examples, and numerical results have been presented for the diverse category of repair time distribution: exponential (M), n-stage Erlang (Ern), deterministic (D), uniform (U(a,b)), n-stage generalized Erlang (GE[n]) and hyperexponential (HE[n]).

Social implications

Concluding remarks and future scopes have also been included. The studied fault-tolerant redundant repairable system is suitable for reliability analysis of a computer system, communication system, manufacturing system, software reliability, service system, etc.

Originality/value

As per the survey in literature, no previous published paper is presented with so wide range of repair time distribution in the machine repair problem. This paper is valuable for system design for reliability analysis of the fault-tolerant redundant repairable.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2020

Chandra Shekhar, Amit Gupta, Madhu Jain and Neeraj Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to present a sensitivity analysis of fault-tolerant redundant repairable computing systems with imperfect coverage, reboot and recovery process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a sensitivity analysis of fault-tolerant redundant repairable computing systems with imperfect coverage, reboot and recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation, the authors consider the computing system having a finite number of identical working units functioning simultaneously with the provision of standby units. Working and standby units are prone to random failure in nature and are administered by unreliable software, which is also likely to unpredictable failure. The redundant repairable computing system is modeled as a Markovian machine interference problem with exponentially distributed failure rates and service rates. To excerpt the failed unit from the computing system, the system either opts randomized reboot process or leads to recovery delay.

Findings

Transient-state probabilities have been determined with which the authors develop various reliability measures, namely reliability/availability, mean time to failure, failure frequency, and so on, and queueing characteristics, namely expected number of failed units, the throughput of the system and so on, for the predictive purpose. To spectacle the practicability of the developed model, a numerical simulation, sensitivity analysis and so on for different parameters have also been done, and the results are summarized in the tables and graphs. The transient results are helpful to analyze the developing model of the system before having the stability of the system. The derived measures give direct insights into parametric decision-making.

Social implications

The conclusion has been drawn, and future scope is remarked. The present research study would help system analyst and system designer to make a better choice/decision in order to have the economical design and strategy based on the desired mean time to failure, reliability/availability of the systems and other queueing characteristics.

Originality/value

Different from previous investigations, this studied model provides a more accurate assessment of the computing system compared to uncertain environments based on sensitivity analysis.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 37 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Chandra Shekhar, Madhu Jain, Ather Aziz Raina and Javid Iqbal

The purpose of this paper is to study the performance metrics of redundant repairable machining system which is applicable in various systems like computer and communication…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the performance metrics of redundant repairable machining system which is applicable in various systems like computer and communication system, manufacturing and production system, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, the authors develop Markov model for the system consisting of identical active operating machines which are prone to breakdown. The operating machines are under the care of one permanent repair facility that provides time-sharing basis repair services. The maintenance is facilitated with the provision of standby machines of mixed type and permanent as well as additional repair facility. From the economic point of view, F-policy and N-policy to control the service and arrival of failed machines effectively are included.

Findings

For the performance analysis of the system in long run, the authors compute steady-state probabilities using product-type solution method recursively. Sensitivity analysis is performed numerically for various parameters by developing code in MATLAB.

Social implications

The performance prediction done may be helpful for the system designers and decision makers for the improvement of the existing machining systems in various industries.

Originality/value

Markovian model for the performance prediction of fault tolerant multi-identical operating and standby machines redundant system is developed in generic frameworks by incorporating many noble features which were not all taken together by other researchers working on the same lines. The key concepts incorporated for the modeling of the concerned system is: F-policy, N-policy, time-sharing, and sensitivity analysis of availability and cost function.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1979

Energy costs now dictate that heating and ventilation systems must be controlled to the closest possible degree. Technology — particularly in the form of computers — imposes its…

Abstract

Energy costs now dictate that heating and ventilation systems must be controlled to the closest possible degree. Technology — particularly in the form of computers — imposes its own demands for ‘clean air’ working and constant power. And there are stringent provisions to be met under the health and safety laws. Together, these factors have created a buoyant market for equipment suppliers.

Details

Industrial Management, vol. 79 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-6929

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Hamed Fazlollahtabar and Seyed Taghi Akhavan Niaki

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the required number of robots consisting of some non-repairable components, by employing a renewal model. Considering the importance of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the required number of robots consisting of some non-repairable components, by employing a renewal model. Considering the importance of the availability of standby autonomous robots for reducing and preventing down-times of advanced production systems, which imposes a considerable loss, the present research tries to introduce a practical model for the determination of the required number of autonomous robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Most of the available research on the estimation of the required standby components based on the reliability characteristics of components has not considered the environmental factors influencing the reliability characteristics. Therefore, such estimations are not accurate enough. In contrast, this paper focuses on the influence of the environmental and human factors (e.g. the operators’ skill) on the robot reliability characteristics.

Findings

A model based on the Weibull renewal process combined with the cold standby strategy is developed for reliability evaluation of the system. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated reliability evaluation model is worked out in some cases.

Originality/value

Determining a required number of robots is an important issue in availability and utilization of a complex robotic production system. In an advanced production system, while the estimation process of a required number of robots can be performed through different approaches, one of the realistic estimation methods is based on the system’s reliability that takes into consideration the system operating environment. To forecast the required number of robots for an existing production system, in some cases, the assumption of a constant failure rate does not differ much from the assumption of a non-constant failure rate and can be made with an acceptable error.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2009

Hsin‐I Huang and Jau‐Chuan Ke

The purpose of this paper is to examine the cost/benefit (C/B) analysis of four configurations for a repairable system with two primary components/units and one standby.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the cost/benefit (C/B) analysis of four configurations for a repairable system with two primary components/units and one standby.

Design/methodology/approach

The four configurations are set to the status of the detection and switching failure of standby, as well as the possible reboot of failed units. The time to failure for each of the primary and standby is assumed to follow an exponential distribution. The time to repair and the time to reboot is assumed to have a k‐stage Erlang distribution. The paper develops the explicit expressions of the mean time to failure (or MTTF) and the steady‐state availability (or A) for four various configurations and performed some comparative analysis. Based on the C/B criterion, comparisons are made for specific values of distribution parameters and of the costs of the units. The four various configurations for a repairable system are ranked by using MTTF, A and C/B, where B is either MTTF or A.

Findings

Although it is uncertain which configuration is the optimal one among the four ones, the paper provides much comparative information to manager and manufacturers. Managers can use these results to choose the best configuration according to the used data of parameters and selections of the weight of MTTF or Cost/MTTF.

Originality/value

This paper shows a comparative analysis for a two‐unit online repairable system with one standby under four different configurations. It is the first discussion of comparable work on reliability and availability models for redundant repairable systems in which the units are characterized by detection, switching failure and reboot.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1964

THE Trident IE fuel system, designed to operate on cither kerosene or JP.4, has a straightforward layout with few controls. Five integral tanks (FIG. 1), comprising four in the…

Abstract

THE Trident IE fuel system, designed to operate on cither kerosene or JP.4, has a straightforward layout with few controls. Five integral tanks (FIG. 1), comprising four in the wings and one in the centre section, give a total of 5,880 Imp. gall, of which 2,000 Imp. gall, are contained in the centre tank. (Total fuel capacity of the Trident 1C is 4,960 Imp. gall, with 1,160 Imp. gall, in the centre tank.) Each wing inner tank has slightly more than twice the capacity of the outer.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2021

Abdulkareem Lado Ismail, Sanusi Abdullahi and Ibrahim Yusuf

This study deals with the reliability analysis of a hybrid series–parallel system consisting of two subsystems A and B with two human operators. Subsystem A has two units in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study deals with the reliability analysis of a hybrid series–parallel system consisting of two subsystems A and B with two human operators. Subsystem A has two units in active parallel while subsystem B consists of two-out-of-four units. Both units have exponential failure and repair time. The system under consideration has two states: partial failure state and complete failure state. The mathematical equations associated with the transition diagram have been formulated using regenerative point techniques. The system is analysed using Laplace transforms to solve the mathematical equations. Some important measures of reliability such as availability of system, reliability of the system, mean time to failure (MTTF), sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis have been discussed. Some particular cases have also been derived and examined to see the practical effect of the model. The computed results are demonstrated by tables and graphs. Furthermore, the results of the designed model are beneficial for system engineers and designers, reliability and maintenance managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considered a hybrid series–parallel system consisting of two subsystems A and B with two human operators. The performance of the system is studied using the supplementary variable technique and Laplace transforms. The various measures of reliability such as availability, reliability, mean time to system failure (MTSF), sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis have been computed for various values of failure and repair rates. Maple 13 software has been used for computations.

Findings

In this research paper, the authors have computed various measures of reliability such as availability, reliability, MTSF, sensitivity for MTTF and cost analysis for various values of failure and repair rates and find that failure due to human operators are more responsible for successful operation of the system and also regular repair should be invoked to improve system performance.

Originality/value

This research paper is the original work of authors. The references are well cited based on the importance of study. Nothing has been detached from any research paper or books.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Ritu Gupta and Zainab Tasneem

The purpose of this study is to develop Markovian model to obtain the transient probabilities to determine mean-time-to-failure and reliability function and further steady state…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop Markovian model to obtain the transient probabilities to determine mean-time-to-failure and reliability function and further steady state availability of the repairable system. As the system parameters are uncontrollable factors; thus the life times, repair times and recovery/reboot time are assumed to be as uncertain or fuzzified distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy approach is introduced to investigate the reliability measures of load sharing repairable system which consists of two operating units and one standby unit. On the failure of an operating component, it is instantly spotted, located and sent for recovery procedures with coverage probability. In case of imperfect recovery, reboot takes place.

Findings

On the basis of extension principle and mathematical programming approach, the authors establish membership functions for system characteristics with the help of α-cuts. To demonstrate the practical validity of the proposed fuzzified model, numerical illustrations are performed.

Originality/value

The model proposed for reliability analysis may cheer up the continuance of the work towards more applications in repairable systems. Therefore, the reader is provided with useful intuition into the nature of fuzzy computations and practical amendments while measuring ambiguous data.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2008

Mounir Elleuch, Habib Ben Bacha, Faouzi Masmoudi and Aref Y. Maalej

The aim of this paper is to illustrate a solution that can be used to reduce the severity of breakdowns and improve performances in the cellular manufacturing (CM) system with…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to illustrate a solution that can be used to reduce the severity of breakdowns and improve performances in the cellular manufacturing (CM) system with unreliable machines.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of CM system is conditioned by disruptive events, such as the failure of machines, which randomly occurs and penalizes the performance of the cells, seriously disturbing the smooth working of the factory. To overcome the problem caused by the breakdowns, the authors develop a solution, based on the principle of virtual cell and the notion of intercellular transfer that can improve the availability of the system. In this context, the use an analytical method based on Markov chains to model the availability of the cell. The results are validated using simulation.

Findings

The proposed solution in this paper confirmed that it is possible to reduce the severity of breakdowns in the CM system and improve the availability of the cells through an intercellular transfer created at the time of a breakdown. Simulation allowed a validation of the analytical model and showed the contribution of the suggested solution.

Originality/value

The developed approach studies the performance of the production cells formed by unreliable machines. It uses the notion of the intercellular transfer to improve the availability of the cells.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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