Improved Markov stable state simulation for maintenance planning

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a software (Equipment State Simulator) used for predicting equipment performance parameters required for maintenance planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This maintenance software was developed from the derived stable state probability models using algebraic substitution and computation of total operational period, number of breakdowns, total downtime, mean time between failures and mean time to repair of equipment/component(s) at preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance states. The models were derived using mechanistic modeling technique such that all the relevant variables were accounted for.

Findings

Analysis of this software revealed that its predictions reckon with the actual performance of the test specimens by about 99 percent.

Originality/value

The research proposes a maintenance model and software for predicting state probabilities of manufacturing systems degradation. This program also predicts maintenance action(s) required by the equipment based on the predetermined alert levels.

Citation

Nwadinobi, C.P., Nwankwojike, B.N. and Abam, F.I. (2019), "Improved Markov stable state simulation for maintenance planning", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 199-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-05-2017-0034