Optimal replacement with minimal repair policy for a system operating over a random time horizon
Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering
ISSN: 1355-2511
Article publication date: 25 October 2011
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the optimization of the replacement with minimal repair policy for a system which experiences a time horizon of random length. Under such policy system replacement occurs at multiples of some period while minimal repair is performed at system failure between two successive replacements.
Design/methodology/approach
The objective function is the expected total cost composed of minimal repairs and replacements costs. A simple and compact expression is derived for the expected total costs and conditions under which an optimal replacement period exits are given. For sake of illustration, a numerical example is provided.
Findings
The paper finds that by the recent great technological development, the life cycle of present products is seen to be reduced more and more. This has motivated the development of maintenance optimization models for systems which experience an exact finite time horizon.
Originality/value
To ensure the benefits from the improved technologies, the information concerning the technological change must be taken into account. Such information is based on technological forecasting and difficult to obtain and merely rely on uncertainties.
Keywords
Citation
Khatab, A., Rezg, N. and Ait‐Kadi, D. (2011), "Optimal replacement with minimal repair policy for a system operating over a random time horizon", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 415-423. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552511111180203
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited