Evaluation and Optimal Arrangement of Multi-Dimensional Consecutive System

There exists an increasing need of study for generalized consecutive k-out-of-n systems. This paper demonstrates that a recursive formula for multi-dimensional consecutive k-out-of-n systems can be systematically developed by means of conventional structure function analysis. By taking advantage of notational convenience, the formulae expressed in the same recursive fashion just as the one dimensional consecutive k-out-of-n system. With the aids of the recursive formulae, not only the exact reliability of the system, but also the optimal arrangement of components is obtainable in a straightforward way.