Periodic inspection optimization model for a multi-component repairable system with failure interaction

This paper proposes a model to find optimal periodic inspection interval for a multi-component repairable system with failure interaction. Failure of one component of the system is hard, i.e., as soon as it occurs, the system stops operating. Failures of the other components are soft, namely, they do not cause the system stop. Soft failures increase the system operating costs and are detected only if inspection is performed. Thus, the components with soft failure are periodically inspected simultaneously and are repaired if found failed. When the component with hard failure fails, it is also repaired. However, it increases the failure rate of the other components. The objective is to find the optimal inspection interval such that, on a finite time horizon, the expected total cost is minimized. The proposed modeling approach is illustrated through a simplified numerical example for a general infusion pump.