On systems with shared resources and optimal switching strategies

Abstract

Simple series systems of identical components with spare parts are considered. It is shown that the cumulative distribution function of a system failure time tends to a step function as the number of components increases and resources can be shared. An example of ‘continuous resources’ is also described. The time-sharing strategy for standby systems is investigated. It is proved that an optimal rule for a system of standby components with increasing failure rates is the single switching performed at t/2 , where t is a mission time.