A System Dynamics Model for Transient Availability Modeling of Repairable Redundant Systems

In this paper, a novel Markov system dynamics (MSD) simulation frame work for the availability modeling of a repairable system is developed. The proposed method combines the Markov approach with system dynamics simulation approach for availability modeling. This approach will have the advantages of both Markov as well as System dynamics methodologies. Initially, the proposed framework is illustrated for a two component active redundant system with repair with constant failure and repair rates. There after, transient availability modeling with time varying failure and repair rates is performed for the same system. It is worth mentioning here that finding the steady state condition and transient availability modeling are extremely difficult or impossible using traditional approaches. The results of MSD simulation are compared with that obtained by traditional Markov method for validation. This has shown that MSD simulation is a good alternative to the traditional mathematically intensive methods.