Citation

Sherif YS. Reliab. Eng. 1982; 3(3): 173-177.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0143-8174(82)90026-9

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

For many systems of nominal complexity, subsequent life-time operating and maintenance costs may amount to a larger sum than their acquisition cost. In this respect, reliability and maintainabiltiy constitute two direct and very predominant factors in life cycle costing analysis. This paper outlines the optimal maintenance schedule that minimises the system's future total expected maintenance cost. This minimum maintenance cost may be added to research and development costs, operation costs and salvage costs to obtain the total life cycle cost of the system. The case in which the system has constant failure rate is investigated under imperfect inspection policy.