Availability Based Spare Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms

A spare optimization model for systems with components in series where the failure time of components follow any general distribution is presented. The availability of the system at any time is obtained through renewal process theory. The objective of the optimization problem is to maximize the availability of the system satisfying constraints on cost and volume. Genetic algorithms are used to find the optimal amount of spares for each component. Finally, an illustrative example is given.