Dependability estimation for non-Markov consecutive-k-out-of-n: F repairable systems by fast simulation

The reliability of consecutive-k-out-of-n: F system (or C(k, n: F) system) has aroused great interest since it was first studied by Kontoleon in 1980 [1]. The system consists of a sequence of n ordered components along a line such that the system fails if and only if at least k consecutive components in the system have failed. A list of typical applications of C(k, n: F) system was given by Yam et al. [2]. A research book by Chang et al. [3] provide rich information about C(k, n: F) system.