Inspection and replacement policy with a fixed periodic schedule

We study an inspection and replacement policy for a system when maintenance actions are executed at times or “visits” with fixed, periodic schedule. Then, the novel focus of paper is not to schedule but what known times. Violations (defaults) may occur because time resource limited. The model motivated by typically used high-value, engineered systems e.g. windfarms, transportation systems, manufacturing lines. This motivation underlies importance work. Inspections modelled using delay concept. System lifetime heterogeneous, so that early defects, due say poor quality parts installation, occur. There lag between failure corrective we cost downtime. determine cost-rate, reliability average availability initial (preventive maintenance) phase followed wear-out (corrective phase. A numerical example illustrates investigates characteristics policy. Results indicate scheduled preventive effective visit-frequency have largest effect on performance. scalable multi-component in way facilitates grouping policies.