Redundancy-reliability allocation problems in multi-stage series-parallel systems are addressed in this study. Fuzzy programming techniques are proposed for finding satisfactory solutions. First, a multi-objective programming model is formulated for simultaneously maximizing system reliability and minimizing system total cost. Due to the nature of uncertainty in the problem, the fuzzy set theory and technique are used to convert the deterministic multi-objective programming model into a fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A heuristic method is developed to get satisfactory solutions for the fuzzy nonlinear programming problem. A Pareto optimal solution is found with maximal degree of satisfaction from the interception area of fuzzy sets. A case study that is related to the electronic control unit installed on aircraft engine over-speed protection system is used to implement the developed approach. Results suggest that the developed fuzzy multi-objective programming model can effectively resolve the fuzzy and uncertain problem when design goals and constraints are not clearly confirmed at the initial conceptual design phase.

This paper uses the auto regression model to modeling failure number of a bus fleet. The fitted model can be used to predict the failure number in the future. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the modeling process and the appropriateness of the fitted model. At last, some possible applications of the model are discussed.

A series-parallel system with independent but non-identical components is considered. The expressions have been derived for the joint reliability importance (JRI) of m (${\geq}2$) components, chosen from a series-parallel system. JRIs of components of two different series-parallel systems are studied analytically and graphically.

In this paper, we suggest the optimal replacement policy following the expiration of repair warranty when the cost of minimal repair depends on the age of system. To do so, we first explain the replacement model under repair warranty. And then the optimal replacement policy following the expiration of repair warranty is discussed from the user's point of view. The criterion used to determine the optimality of the replacement model is the expected cost rate per unit time, which is obtained from the expected cycle length and the expected total cost for our replacement model. The numerical examples are given for illustrative purpose.

Due to restriction of vehicle emissions and high demand for fossil fuels nowadays, car manufacturers around the world are looking into alternative ways in introducing new car model that would vastly captured the market. Thus, Electric Vehicle (EV) has been further developed to take the advantage of the current global issues on price of fossil fuels and impact on the environment. Since car battery plays the crucial role on the overall performance of EV, many researchers have been working on improving the component. This paper focused on the reliability of EV battery which involves recognizing failure types, testing method and life prediction method. By focusing on these elements, the reliability feature being identified and as a result the batteries life will be prolonged.

In most of literatures of age replacement policy, the authors consider the case that a new item starts operating at time zero and is to be replaced by new one at time T. It is, however, often to purchase used items because of the limited budget. In this paper, we consider age replacement policy of a used item whose age is $t_0$. The mathematical formulas of the expected cost rate per unit time are derived for both infinite-horizon case and finite-horizon case. For each case, we show that the optimal replacement age exists and is finite and investigate the effect of the age of the used item.