A generalized reliability block diagram (RBD) simulation

The authors demonstrate a computer simulation yielding reliability and maintainability information for any system based on the failure and repair distributions of the individual components. The information needed to link the various components together is taken directly from the reliability block diagram (RBD), thereby negating the need for writing specialized programs. Final results display 90% confidence intervals for four key endogenous variables: system availability, first failure time, mean time between failures, and mean time to repair. Techniques for reducing computer memory requirements are discussed. It is demonstrated how connections between process blocks can be generalized and linked together during program execution. This method results in more useful programs that solve a broader range of problems.<
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