Modelling multicomponent systems to quantify reliability centred maintenance strategies

Abstract : In this paper, a modelling approach is presented to assess the performance of multicomponent systems maintained by complex maintenance strategies. A global framework is built to describe the evolution of the system, the way its components can degrade and fail, and the effects of different maintenance actions. A two-level modelling framework makes it possible to describe fully the entire causal chain that can lead to system dysfunction and the possible maintenance tasks of the reliability centred maintenance (RCM) method. A cost model is defined to assess system performance in terms of cost and unavailability. The main originality of this work is that the complexity of both maintenance programmes and system structures is taken into account. The model can be used as a decision-making tool to choose from a selection of various maintenance options. Promising results have been obtained in case studies based on systems from nuclear power plants.