Metaheuristic-based inspection policy for a one-shot system with two types of units

In this paper, we address an inspection policy problem for a one-shot system with two types of units, namely, Type 1 units that fail at random times and Type 2 units that degrade with time. Interval availability and life cycle cost are used as optimization criteria and estimated by simulation. We determine inspection intervals, preventive replacement ages of Type 1 units, and preventive maintenance thresholds of Type 2 units that have minimal life cycle cost and satisfy the target interval availability during inspection periods. A simulation-based optimization procedure using a hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed to find near-optimal solutions. Numerical examples are studied to investigate the effects of model parameters on optimal solutions and compare the hybrid genetic algorithm with the general genetic algorithm.