Availability optimization and allocation for repairable systems using intuitionistic fuzzy optimization

Availability allocation is required when the manufacturer is obliged to allocate proper availability to various components in order to design an end product to meet specified requirements. But in designing phase of products, design parameters such as components´ failure rate and repair rate are normally under uncertainties. This paper presents a methodology for solving the availability allocation and optimization problems of a repairable system in which parameters are considered as imprecise. Then the fuzzy parameters are transformed into corresponding interval numbers and the uncertain optimization model is transformed into deterministic model including left, center and right interval functions. With the help of intuitionistic fuzzy programming technique by considering the degree of membership and non-membership functions, the transformed problem has been solved with genetic algorithm. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the performance of the proposed approach.