Maintenance scheduling for multi-unit systems with hierarchical dependences
Abstract
In this paper, we consider the issue of multi-component systems with hierarchical dependences which is unexplored in literature. Complex systems often can be divided into several subsystems where dependences between components are non-symmetrical due to stronger dependences within subsystems than those between subsystems. The nested Levy copulas can be used in such a case. In addition, the economic dependence which provides grouping opportunities to reduce the maintenance cost is also considered. Five condition-based maintenance policies are proposed and evaluated to minimize the expected long-run maintenance cost.