Probabilistic Methods in Life-Cycle Design

This paper summarizes our progress in using probabilistic methods to enable both singledomain and multiple-domain considerations in lifecycle design. As an example of a single-domain application, a probability-based reliability model that describes the effect of remanufacture on the reliability of parts and systems is outlined and experimentally verified. This reliability model is applied to fastening systems and used to calculate fastening-related remanufacture costs. These costs are integrated with other life-cycle fasteningrelated costs, thus enabling the simultaneous consideration of multiple domains. The combined l i f e -cyc le cos t i s opt imized us ing genet ic algorithms. The implementation and general results of genetic algorithm-based optimization of a product fastening and joining plan are described.