Availability maximization in machine-repair systems using an optimal load sharing approach

Anand, L and Mani, V and Ghose, D (1997) Availability maximization in machine-repair systems using an optimal load sharing approach. In: International Journal of Systems Science, 28 (3). pp. 249-258.

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Abstract

This paper considers a machine-repair system with more than one repair facility. In this scenario, a failed machine can be sent for repair to any one of the repair facilities. Hence, this gives rise to an optimal maintenance load sharing problem. An analytical method to obtain an optimal probability distribution, for assigning maintenance load to each repair facility, is presented. A 'drop-out' condition, that identifies inefficient repair facilities, which need not be sent any maintenance loan, is derived. This 'drop-out' condition has been used earlier in the context of load balancing in distributed computing systems. We show the applicability of these in our context of maintenance load balancing. Since this method approximates a closed queueing network as an open-queueing network, the effect of rite various system parameters on the optimal solution is discussed. Some bounds on the resulting errors are also obtained. Illustrative numerical examples are provided at appropriate places.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	International Journal of Systems Science
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Taylor & Francis.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Aerospace Engineering(Formerly Aeronautical Engineering)
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2009 05:03
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 05:02
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/18438

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