An artificial neural network for modeling reliability, availability and maintainability of a repairable system

The paper explores the application of artificial neural networks to model the behaviour of a complex, repairable system. A composite measure of reliability, availability and maintainability parameters has been proposed for measuring the system performance. The artificial neural network has been trained using past data of a helicopter transportation facility. It is used to simulate behaviour of the facility under various constraints. The insights obtained from results of simulation are useful in formulating strategies for optimal operation of the system.     

A study of a storage reliability estimation problem

Storage reliability, which describes the failure or deterioration of items in a dormant state, is considered in this paper. The study presented here is focused on the estimation of the storage reliability after a certain amount of storage time. We start with simple non-parametric estimation of the current reliability and then study the problem of parametric estimation based on a simple Weibull distribution assumption. Both maximum likelihood estimation and graphical techniques are considered in this case. The study is useful for planning a storage environment and making a decision about the maximum length of storage. Furthermore, the information can be used in the design and improvement of products for which the storage is an important part of the product's life cycle. A numerical example is provided to enlighten the idea.     

An alternative to the analysis of variance for reliability data

Though the analysis of variance is a commonly applied method for testing for differences between means of several processes, it is based in part on the assumption that the processes give rise to output that is normally distributed on the measured variable. Reliability and life test studies frequently give birth to data that exhibit clear skew, and application of the analysis of variance is questionable in such cases. A method referred to as analysis of reciprocals, which is based on an assumed inverse Gaussian distribution, provides an alternative to the analysis of variance in these instances. With applications in a variety of functional areas, including reliability and life testing, the inverse Gaussian distribution is able to accommodate substantial skew. It is hoped that this exposition will increase awareness of both the inverse Gaussian distribution and data analysis methods that are based on this distribution.     

A neural network approach to microwave imaging

We present a neural network approach to microwave imaging for medical diagnosis. The problem is to reconstruct the complex permittivity of the biological tissues illuminated by the transverse magnetic (TM) incident waves. In order to avoid the inherent ill‐posedness of the inverse scattering problem, we introduce a stochastic process based on Markov random field and a priori knowledge. A coupled gradient neural network is proposed to deal with the mixed‐variable problem because the reconstructed dielectric permittivities are continuous complex variables and the line processes, which can preserve the edges of the reconstructed image, are binary variables. We report the numerical results of a simple human forearm model. We also point out the advantages and the limitations of this method. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 11, 159–163, 2000     

Neural network approach to sensitivity and uncertainty analysis

Computer simulation of the dynamic evolution of complex systems has become a fundamental tool for many modern engineering activities. In particular, risk-informed design projects and safety analyses require that the system behavior be analyzed under several diverse conditions in the presence of substantial model and parameter uncertainty which must be accounted for. In this paper we investigate the capabilities of artificial neural networks of providing both a first-order sensitivity measure of the importance of the various parameters of a model and a fast, efficient tool for dynamic simulation, to be used in uncertainty analyses. The dynamic simulation of a steam generator is considered as a test-bed to show the potentialities of these tools and to point out the difficulties and crucial issues which typically arise when attempting to establish an efficient neural network structure for sensitivity and uncertainty analyses.     

一类神经网络对连续函数的逼近

借助卷积逼近的工具研究前向神经网络对连续函数的逼近,构造了具有nd个神经元的一类神经网络,并证得用它逼近[0,1]d上的连续函数f(X)时,偏差是O{ω{f,n-d1+2}+n-d1+2‖f‖∞}.其中ω(f,δ)表示f(X)在[0,1]d上的连续模,‖f‖∞表示|f(X)|的极大值.     

Supply chain relationship quality and performance in technological turbulence: an artificial neural network approach

A well-functioning supply chain management relationship cannot only develop seamless coordination with valuable members, but also improve operational efficiency to secure greater market share, increased profits and reduced costs. An accurate decision-making system considering multifactor relationship quality is highly desired. This study offers an alternative perspective and characterisation of the supply chain relationship quality and performance. A decision-making model is proposed with an artificial neural network approach for supply chain continuous performance improvement. Supply chain performance is analysed via a supervised learning back-propagation neural network. An ‘inverse’ neural network model is proposed to predict the supply chain relationship quality conditions. Optimal performance parameters can be obtained using the proposed neural network scheme, providing significant advantages in terms of improved relationship quality. This study demonstrates a new solution with the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods for performance improvement. The overall accuracy rate of the decision-making model is 88.703%. The results indicated that trust has the greatest influence on the supply chain performance. Relationship quality among supply chain partners impacts performance positively as the pace of technological turbulence increases.     

应用层组播路由的一种改进神经网络解法

研究了使用双层递归神经网络(DRNN)模型求解应用层组播路由的问题.对原有模型的神经元矩阵及能量函数进行改变,并引入了新的线性编程神经元,解决了原模型不能求解组播路由的缺陷.与启发式组播路由算法相比,该解决方案的计算复杂度低,速度较快,而且与其它的神经网络相比,由于引入了基尔霍夫限制条件,保障了解的质量,且所使用的神经元数量少,而在解的精确度上则与其它算法相当.     

Satellite and satellite subsystems reliability: Statistical data analysis and modeling

Reliability has long been recognized as a critical attribute for space systems. Unfortunately, limited on-orbit failure data and statistical analyses of satellite reliability exist in the literature. To fill this gap, we recently conducted a nonparametric analysis of satellite reliability for 1584 Earth-orbiting satellites launched between January 1990 and October 2008. In this paper, we extend our statistical analysis of satellite reliability and investigate satellite subsystems reliability. Because our dataset is censored, we make extensive use of the Kaplan–Meier estimator for calculating the reliability functions. We derive confidence intervals for the nonparametric reliability results for each subsystem and conduct parametric fits with Weibull distributions using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) approach. We finally conduct a comparative analysis of subsystems failure, identifying the “culprit subsystems” that drive satellite unreliability. The results here presented should prove particularly useful to the space industry for example in redesigning subsystem test and screening programs, or providing an empirical basis for redundancy allocation.     

Modeling of material behavior data in a functional form suitable for neural network representation

Decision making through connectionist expert systems is getting adopted in various disciplines. For such systems the subject knowledge has to be represented by neural networks. A simple and fast method is developed for modeling of material behavior data in a functional form suitable for neural network representation. Complete algorithm for the method is given. The algorithm is used for modeling of material behavior data for several examples, taken from handbooks, etc. The error of approximation is very small in all the cases considered. The algorithm deals with cases where the property to be modeled is a function of one variable or its variation is measured with change of one parameter, keeping other parameters constant. The algorithm can also be used as a curve fitting technique, preserving the shape as desired by subject expert, even in presence of errors in the measurement data.     

六自由度运动平台控制系统的神经网络优化

阐述了六自由度运动平台的控制原理，并根据控制系统的特点，提出采用基于RBF和BP神经网络来改进常规PID控制器实现系统控制性能。在该控制系统结构中，提出了在RBF网络辨识Jacobian的基础上，将BP神经网络引入了平台控制系统中PID控制器的控制参数在线整定的算法，最后给出了在MATLAB下的具体仿真算法。     

A hyperstable neural network for the modelling and control of nonlinear systems

A multivariable hyperstable robust adaptive decoupling control algorithm based on a neural network is presented for the control of nonlinear multivariable coupled systems with unknown parameters and structure. The Popov theorem is used in the design of the controller. The modelling errors, coupling action and other uncertainties of the system are identified on-line by a neural network. The identified results are taken as compensation signals such that the robust adaptive control of nonlinear systems is realised. Simulation results are given.     

Fault detection,classification, and location for active distribution network based on neural network and phase angle analysis

The improved radial basis function (RBF) method utilizes an orthogonal regression matrix to produce an artificial neural network structure based on regularized least square. The phase angle and amplitude signal of fault voltage and current are extracted based on frequency domain analysis. The proposed method adopts the fault signal for fault diagnosis synchronously. The IEEE 13-bus active distribution network (ADN) simulation model is set up in Matlab. Test results demonstrate that accuracy of the fault diagnosis can reach 98.07% and the response time of the fault classification method is less than 0.04s. The wavelet neural network (WNN) model is developed to extract the maximum decomposition level and time series behavior. The WNN method can resist noise effects and improve the fault classification accuracy by 4.3%. The effect of fault type and fault resistance on the fault location method is researched. The fault simulation result shows that the proposed method can locate a fault precisely and synchronously. The improved RBF method can diagnose the fault section, classify the fault type and locate a fault accurately in ADN. The research is significant to maintain system stability against realistic fault and network restore.     

Predicting motor vehicle collisions using Bayesian neural network models: an empirical analysis

Statistical models have frequently been used in highway safety studies. They can be utilized for various purposes, including establishing relationships between variables, screening covariates and predicting values. Generalized linear models (GLM) and hierarchical Bayes models (HBM) have been the most common types of model favored by transportation safety analysts. Over the last few years, researchers have proposed the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model for modeling the phenomenon under study. Compared to GLMs and HBMs, BPNNs have received much less attention in highway safety modeling. The reasons are attributed to the complexity for estimating this kind of model as well as the problem related to "over-fitting" the data. To circumvent the latter problem, some statisticians have proposed the use of Bayesian neural network (BNN) models. These models have been shown to perform better than BPNN models while at the same time reducing the difficulty associated with over-fitting the data. The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of BNN models for predicting motor vehicle crashes. To accomplish this objective, a series of models was estimated using data collected on rural frontage roads in Texas. Three types of models were compared: BPNN, BNN and the negative binomial (NB) regression models. The results of this study show that in general both types of neural network models perform better than the NB regression model in terms of data prediction. Although the BPNN model can occasionally provide better or approximately equivalent prediction performance compared to the BNN model, in most cases its prediction performance is worse than the BNN model. In addition, the data fitting performance of the BPNN model is consistently worse than the BNN model, which suggests that the BNN model has better generalization abilities than the BPNN model and can effectively alleviate the over-fitting problem without significantly compromising the nonlinear approximation ability. The results also show that BNNs could be used for other useful analyses in highway safety, including the development of accident modification factors and for improving the prediction capabilities for evaluating different highway design alternatives.     

Sequential Bayesian technique: An alternative approach for software reliability estimation

This paper proposes a sequential Bayesian approach similar to Kalman filter for estimating reliability growth or decay of software. The main advantage of proposed method is that it shows the variation of the parameter over a time, as new failure data become available. The usefulness of the method is demonstrated with some real life data.     

基于BP人工神经网络的混凝土强度预测

混凝土强度是结构设计中控制的主要指标,其数值决定于水灰比、胶凝材料用量、矿物掺量、外加剂用量等多种因素,常规计算混凝土强度的公式因个人理解的不同而各异,一种仿生模型—人工神经网络则能很好地解决这个难题,文中尝试用人工神经网络对不同混凝土强度进行预测,结果表明此模型的可靠度很高,可以用以优化混凝土的试配,节约大量的时间、人力、物力和财力.     

Hybrid neural network model for the design of beam subjected to bending and shear

There is no direct method for design of beams. In general the dimensions of the beam and reinforcement are initially assumed and then the interaction formula is used to verify the suitability of chosen dimensions. This approach necessitates few trials for coming up with an economical and safe design. This paper demonstrates the applicability of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Genetic Algorithms (GA) for the design of beams subjected to moment and shear. A hybrid neural network model which combines the features of feed forward neural networks and genetic algorithms has been developed for the design of beam subjected to moment and shear. The network has been trained with design data obtained from design experts in the field. The hybrid neural network model learned the design of beam in just 1000 training cycles. After successful learning, the model predicted the depth of the beam, area of steel, spacing of stirrups required for new problems with accuracy satisfying all design constraints. The various stages involved in the development of a genetic algorithm based neural network model are addressed at length in this paper.     

Fast image vector quantization using a modified competitive learning neural network approach

The basic goal of image compression through vector quantization (VQ) is to reduce the bit rate for transmission or data storage while maintaining an acceptable fidelity or image quality. The advantage of VQ image compression is its fast decompression by table lookup technique. However, the codebook supplied in advance may not handle the changing image statistics very well. The need for online codebook generation became apparent. The competitive learning neural network design has been used for vector quantization. However, its training time can be very long, and the number of output nodes is somewhat arbitrarily decided before the training starts. Our modified approach presents a fast codebook generation procedure by searching for an optimal number of output nodes evolutively. The results on two medical images show that this new approach reduces the training time considerably and still maintains good quality for recovered images. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 8, 413–418, 1997     

基于神经网络趋势分析

文章在分析研究了国内外现状的基础上 ,利用神经网络的非线性处理特性 ,提出了通过神经网络预测常见机械零件剩余寿命的方法 ,用实例验证了其有效性     

Two-terminal reliability analyses for a mobile ad hoc wireless network

Reliability is one of the most important performance measures for emerging technologies. For these systems, shortcomings are often overlooked in early releases as the cutting edge technology overshadows a fragile design. Currently, the proliferation of the mobile ad hoc wireless networks (MAWN) is moving from cutting edge to commodity and thus, reliable performance will be expected. Generally, ad hoc networking is applied for the flexibility and mobility it provides. As a result, military and first responders employ this network scheme and the reliability of the network becomes paramount. To ensure reliability is achieved, one must first be able to analyze and calculate the reliability of the MAWN. This work describes the unique attributes of the MAWN and how the classical analysis of network reliability, where the network configuration is known a priori, can be adjusted to model and analyze this type of network. The methods developed acknowledge the dynamic and scalable nature of the MAWN along with its absence of infrastructure. Thus, the methods rely on a modeling approach that considers the probabilistic formation of different network configurations in a MAWN. Hence, this paper proposes reliability analysis methods that consider the effect of node mobility and the continuous changes in the network's connectivity.