Model Development for Reliability Cannibalization

Abstract

This chapter looks at cannibalization as a method (procedure) of improving reliability of engineering systems. Cannibalization gives one the opportunity to use resources in the most efficient way. In this chapter, we have explored strategies to reduce the adverse effects of cannibalization on maintenance costs and personnel morale. The strategies developed in this chapter, at least, can be used to determine (1) which types of cannibalizations are appropriate, (2) cannibalization reduction goals and (3) the actions to be taken to meet the cannibalization reduction goals. In this chapter, we also presented a combined analytical and simulation model of a two-line, three-line and k-line system when cannibalization is not allowed and when cannibalization is allowed (with and without short interruptions to the system). It is clear from the analytical and simulation results that cannibalization can substantially increase the reliability of the systems where it is allowed. The improvement factor of unreliability obviously exists in systems where cannibalization is allowed as compared to those in which cannibalization is not allowed. Moreover, the improvement factor is larger when we have two-stage cannibalization (short interruptions) than without them.