Fuzzy programming for improving redundancy-reliability allocation problems in series-parallel systems

Redundancy-reliability allocation problems in multi-stage series-parallel systems are addressed in this study. Fuzzy programming techniques are proposed for finding satisfactory solutions. First, a multi-objective programming model is formulated for simultaneously maximizing system reliability and minimizing system total cost. Due to the nature of uncertainty in the problem, the fuzzy set theory and technique are used to convert the deterministic multi-objective programming model into a fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A heuristic method is developed to get satisfactory solutions for the fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A Pareto optimal solution is found with maximal degree of satisfaction from the interception area of fuzzy sets. A case study that is related to the electronic control unit installed on aircraft engine over-speed protection system is used to implement the developed approach. Results suggest that the developed fuzzy multi-objective programming model can effectively resolve the fuzzy and uncertain problem when design goals and constraints are not clearly confirmed at the initial conceptual design phase.