Evaluation of System Reliability and Optimal Design: The Case of Consecutive-k Systems

Abstract

By the achievements in science and technology, we are enjoying a rich life that has never been seen in the past. On the other hand, the sophistication of science and technology has led to a high complexity and large scale of systems that support society and life. Our lives are greatly affected by these sudden failures and malfunctions. As the news of system failures are well reported everyday, it is becoming more and more important to improve the reliability of the “system” that surrounds us and to consider the design and maintenance of highly reliable systems. Research on system reliability (system operating probability) began in the 1960s. In this paper, we focus on the consecutive k-system in which the system fails (operates) when a part of the system fails (operates), and give an overview of the research surrounding the design and maintenance of consecutive-k systems.