On reliability of consecutive <i>k</i> -out-of- <i>n</i> :G system equipped with protection blocks

Abstract

The linear consecutive k-out-of-n:G system consists of n linearly ordered components such that the system works properly when there exists at least k consecutively working components. This paper is concerned with the reliability evaluation of the linear consecutive k-out-of-n: G system equipped with protection blocks. Protection blocks which have their failure rates are used to increase the system reliability. The closed-form expressions for the system reliability when 2k≥n are obtained when the most critical components, i.e. the components that have the highest importance levels are involved by the protection blocks. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the closed-form reliability equations.

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