Periodic Replacement Policies with Minimal Repair Cost Limit

Periodic replacement policies are proposed for a system whose repair cost, when it fails, can be estimated by inspection. The system is replaced when it reaches age T (Policy A), or when it fails for the first time after age T (Policy B). If it fails before reaching age T, the repair cost is estimated and minimal repair is then undertaken if the estimated cost is less than a predetermined limit L; otherwise, the system is replaced. The expected cost rate functions are obtained, their behaviors are examined, and ways of obtaining optimal T and L are explored.