Inspection policies and processes for deteriorating systems subject to catastrophic failure

Deteriorating reliability systems that are subject to catastrophic failure are analyzed in order to propose and evaluate some deterministic and stochastic inspection models. The underlying deterioration process is assumed to be an increasing Markov renewal process where the true state of the system can not be determined by simple observations. Instead, some tests can be done in order to detect if the system has positive deterioration or not. The results of the tests, however, are not perfect so that the probability of true and false detections depend on the unobserved state of the system. The system is inspected either deterministically at prespecified points in time, or stochastically at random points in time. Both types of models are considered to present explicit computational expressions for various performance measures like the expected number of inspections with different results and the probability of detection. Some practical applications of the results are also included.     

Optimal replacement policies for multistate deteriorating systems

We consider state-age-dependent replacement policies for a multistate deteriorating system. We assume that operating cost rates and replacement costs are both functions of the underlying states. Replacement times and sojourn times in different states are all state-dependent random variables. The optimization criterion is to minimize the expected long-run cost rate. A policy-improvement algorithm to derive the optimal policy is presented. We show that under reasonable assumptions, the optimal replacement policies have monotonic properties. In particular, when the failure-rate functions are nonincreasing, or when all the replacement costs and the expected replacement times are independent of state, we show that the optimal policies are only state dependent. Examples are given to illustrate the structure of the optimal policies in the special case when the sojourntime distributions are Weibull. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Optimal maintenance policies for a safety‐critical system and its deteriorating sensor

We consider the integrated problem of optimally maintaining an imperfect, deteriorating sensor and the safety‐critical system it monitors. The sensor's costless observations of the binary state of the system become less informative over time. A costly full inspection may be conducted to perfectly discern the state of the system, after which the system is replaced if it is in the out‐of‐control state. In addition, a full inspection provides the opportunity to replace the sensor. We formulate the problem of adaptively scheduling full inspections and sensor replacements using a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) model. The objective is to minimize the total expected discounted costs associated with system operation, full inspection, system replacement, and sensor replacement. We show that the optimal policy has a threshold structure and demonstrate the value of coordinating system and sensor maintenance via numerical examples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 399–417, 2017     

Monotone optimal preventive maintenance policies for stochastically failing equipment

This paper examines various models for maintenance of a machine operating subject to stochastic deterioration. Three alternative models are presented for the deterioration process. For each model, in addition to the replacement decision, the option exists of performing preventive maintenance. The effect of this maintenance is to “slow” the deterioration process. With an appropriate reward structure imposed on the processes, the models are formulated as continuous time Markov decision processes. the optimality criterion being the maximization of expected discounted reward earned over an infinite time horizon. For each model conditions are presented under which the optimal maintenance policy exhibits the following monotonic structure. First, there exists a control limit rule for replacement. That is, there exists a number i* such that if the state of machine deterioration exceeds i* the optimal policy replaces the machine by a new machine. Secondly, prior to replacement the optimal level of preventive maintenance is a nonincreasing function of the state of machine deterioration. The conditions which guarantee this result have a cost/benefit interpretation.     

Evasion policies for a vessel being chased by pirate skiffs

Piracy attack is a serious safety problem for maritime transport worldwide. Whilst various strategic actions can be taken, such as rerouting vessels and strengthening navy patrols, this still cannot completely eliminate the possibility of a piracy attack. It is therefore important for a commercial vessel to be equipped with operational solutions in case of piracy attacks. In particular, the choice of a direction for rapidly fleeing is a critical decision for the vessel. In this article, we formulate such a problem as a nonlinear optimal control problem. We consider various policies, such as maintaining a straight direction or making turns, develop algorithms to optimize the policies, and derive conditions under which these policies are effective and safe. Our work can be used as a real‐time decision making tool that enables a vessel master to evaluate different scenarios and quickly make decisions.     

Constructing a strict total order for alternatives characterized by multiple criteria: An extension

The problem of finding a strict total order for a finite set of multiple criteria alternatives is considered. Our research extends previous work by us, which considered finding a partial order for a finite set of alternatives. We merge the preference information extracted from the preference cones and corresponding polyhedral sets, with the information derived from pairwise comparisons of two alternatives, yielding a preference matrix. This preference matrix is used as input to an integer programming model to obtain a strict total order that provides a transitive ranking for the set of alternatives. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 155–163, 2014     

管道检测机器人的测力定位法理论与方法

介绍并分析了管道检测机器人的定位现状,并针对它们的不足,根据牛顿力学和运动学定律提出了管道机器人的测力定位法.对测力定位法的性能进行了分析,发现误差有时间的累积性,并以时间的二次方递增.指出了它和光电码盘定位法的综合运用将是有效解决长距离输油管道机器人的高精度的独立定位问题的最佳切入点.最后,对测力定位法在整个管道检测机器人的检测、定位中的应用进行了分析,并给出了应用结构流程图.     

计数序贯抽样检验方案的OC函数和ASN

根据序贯概率比检验的理论,给出计数序贯抽样检验方案的设计原理,得到国家标准GB／T8051—2008中计数序贯抽样检验方案的OC函数和ASN的计算方法。     

应用虚拟检测技术开发的舰艇机电设备通用测试分析仪

针对舰艇机电设备复杂 ,需要监测的参数数量大、种类多等实际情况 ,研制了一种通用测试分析仪 .该仪器采用虚拟检测技术 ,功能全面、携带方面、经济可靠 ,具有较高的推广价值和应用前景 .