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Agent-based modeling of availability for complex multiple units systems

Ling Wang (Department of Automation, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China)
Hong Xu (China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China)
Jinjin Wu (Zhejiang Police Vocational Academy, Hangzhou, China)
Xiai Chen (China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China)
Wenbo Na (China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China)

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering

ISSN: 1355-2511

Article publication date: 13 March 2017

338

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an availability modeling method of complex multiple units system (CMUS) based on the multi-agent technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the multi-agent technique, this paper describes the availability model structure for CMUS and develops agent-based models of components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff, as well as the communication method among the different agents. On the basis of the agent-based availability modeling theory, the availability simulation scheme of CMUS is given using MATLAB. Thus, the availability modeling theory of CMUS and its simulation method are developed. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed availability modeling method, a numerical example is given.

Findings

The proposed agent-based modeling method is applicable to availability modeling of CMUS, including the modeling of component failure, maintenance tools/fields/staff, maintenance policy, and structural/economic dependence among components.

Practical implications

As a bottom-top, modular, expandable, and reusable modeling theory, the agent-based modeling method might be useful for availability modeling of different CMUSs in reality.

Originality/value

The multi-agent technique is introduced into availability modeling of multi-component systems in this paper. Thus, it is possible to model failure of many components, maintenance policies, maintenance tools, maintenance fields, and maintenance staff together for availability analysis of complex systems of equipment.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51504228) and Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China (No. LY14F030019, LQ14F050003).

Citation

Wang, L., Xu, H., Wu, J., Chen, X. and Na, W. (2017), "Agent-based modeling of availability for complex multiple units systems", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 71-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-06-2013-0033

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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