MPIDR Working Paper

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.