Agent-based modeling of availability for complex multiple units systems
Authored by Ling Wang, Hong Xu, Jinjin Wu, Xiai Chen, Wenbo Na
Date Published: 2017
DOI: 10.1108/jqme-06-2013-0033
Sponsors:
Chinese National Natural Science Foundation
Platforms:
MATLAB
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
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.
Tags
Maintenance
Times
Availability modelling
Agent-based component model
Agent-based
maintenance policy model
Complex multiple units system
Multi-agent
modelling
Repair