Reliability equivalence with a basic series/parallel system

摘要

This paper extends the concept of reliability equivalence from simple series and parallel systems to some complex systems. The reliability equivalence factors of a complex system are obtained. We consider a radar system in an aircraft, which consists of three independent and non-identical components. Both survival function and mean time to failure are used as references of reliability equivalence. The case of independent and identical components is studied as a special case. Theoretical comparisons among the used methods of improving the system reliability are introduced. Numerical examples are presented to interpret how one can utilize the obtained results.