Consecutive k-out-of-r-from-n system with multiple failure criteria

This paper proposes a new model which generalizes the linear consecutive k-out-of-r-from-n system to the case of multiple failure criteria. In this model, the system consists of n linearly ordered elements, and fails iff in any group of r/sub 1/,...,r/sub H/ consecutive elements less than k/sub 1/,...,k/sub H/ elements respectively are in a working state. An algorithm for system reliability evaluation is suggested which is based on an extended universal moment generating function. Examples of system reliability evaluation are presented.