Optimal Reliability of a Complex System

In a complex system where the redundant units cannot be reduced to a purely parallel or series configuration, the reliability is obtained by using Bayes´ theorem. A mathematical model is formulated for the reliability of a system with nonlinear constraints. The system reliability is optimized based on the model and the solution is obtained by using the sequential unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT). This method is an efficient method for solving this type of problem. Two life support systems, one is the communication system of a two-man space capsule and another is a high-pressure oxygen supply system in a space capsule, have been identified to have the complex system configuration treated in this work.