Repair limit policy of aircraft component based on extended uncertain random renewal reward process

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on an optimizing maintenance policy with repair limit time for a new type of aircraft component, in which the lifetime is assumed to be an uncertain variable due to no historical operation data, and the repair time is a random variable that can be described by the experimental data.Design/methodology/approachTo describe this repair limit time policy over an infinite time horizon, an extended uncertain random renewal reward theorem is firstly proposed based on chance theory, involves uncertain random interarrival times and stochastic rewards. Accordingly, the uncertain random programming model, which minimized the expected maintenance cost rate, is formulated to find the optimal repair limit time.FindingsA numerical example with sensitivity analysis is provided to illustrate the utility of the proposed policy. It provides a useful reference and guidance for aircraft optimization. For maintainers, it plays an important guiding role in engineering practice.Originality/valueThe proposed uncertain random renewal reward process proved useful for the optimization of maintenance strategy with maintenance limited time for a new type of aircraft components, which provides scientific support for aircraft maintenance decision-making for civil aviation enterprises.

Assessment of Some Proposed Replacement Models Involving Moderate Fix-Up

“…Xie et al (2020) investigated the implications of cascading failures of a particular system, as well as the effects of safety barriers on preventing failures from occurring. Zhang et al (2022) studied optimizing aliment policy with fix-up limit time for a latest class of airliner unit with an estimated lifespan, and the outcomes of this study provides a helping guidance for airliner program and plays vital usage in engineering practice. Zhao et al (2017) developed some analytical replacement cost rates under two proposed policies considering random mission durations time, so as to avoid preventive replacement during mission period.…”