Application of Monte Carlo simulation to optimal maintenance scheduling in a parallel-redundant system

A modified distribution function is created based on the assumption that the component useful life phase is associated with an exponential distribution and the wearout period is subject to a Weibull distribution (β>1). Using the modified distribution function, a Monte Carlo simulation approach is used to obtain the total failure frequency and optimum maintenance interval for a parallel-redundant system where each component can enter its wearout period. Two examples are used to illustrate the simulation procedure. The effect of the Weibull parameter β on the optimum maintenance interval for a parallel-redundant system is illustrated