An Analytical Model of Interactive Coefficients of Multiple Systems

Abstract

Dependent failures of machines may take many forms. Interactive failure is one type of the dependent failures happening among multiple subsystems. The interactive coefficient is represented by the degree of interaction between two subsystems, but it cannot be estimated in intricate interactive relationship among multiple subsystems by now. In order to solve the problem, the failure chains of the interactive failure are classified into five types in this paper and all the elements in it are defined. Then the interactive coefficient models are developed for all failure chains according to the relationship among the interactive failure rate, the independent failure rate and the dependent failure rate. The estimation of the interactive coefficient is based on failure rate equation. The results offer a solution to the problem that the interactive coefficient of multiple systems cannot be calculated. These findings provide a method to predict and design the reliability of mechanical equipment more accuracy as well as guide to optimize scheduled for the maintenance of mechanical equipment.