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Optimal inspection policy for a multi-unit machine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2016

Dror Zuckerman
Dror Zuckerman*
Affiliation:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
*
∗Postal address: The Jerusalem School of Business Administration, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel.
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Abstract

We consider a machine which generates income at rate I during its operating time. The machine is composed of N independent stochastically failing units. A failure of each one of the units causes a breakdown of the machine.

The machine's status (good or failed) is observed continuously, by a controller, at zero cost. In the event of a breakdown, exactly one unit is failed, and a series of inspections is performed, in order to identify the failed unit and the reasons for its failure. At any time along the inspection process only one unit can be tested.

An inspection of a given unit is characterized by its cost rate and inspection time. At the end of the inspection process, the failed unit is repaired at a known cost, and a new operating cycle is started.

Our objective is to formulate an optimal inspection strategy under two optimality criteria: long-run average net income, and total expected discounted net income.

Keywords

MULTI-UNIT SYSTEMINSPECTION STRATEGYPERMUTATIONOPTIMALITY CRITERIA
Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Applied Probability , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , September 1989 , pp. 543 - 551
Copyright
Copyright © Applied Probability Trust 1989 

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References

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