• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.1579-1602
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• 2020

In the design of production system, buffer capacity allocation is a major step. Through polymorphism analysis of production capacity and production capability, this paper investigates a buffer allocation optimization problem aiming at the multi-stage production line including unreliable machines, which is concerned with maximizing the system theoretical production rate and minimizing the system state entropy for a certain amount of buffers simultaneously. Stochastic process analysis is employed to establish Markov models for repairable modular machines. Considering the complex structure, an improved vector UGF (Universal Generating Function) technique and composition operators are introduced to construct the system model. Then the measures to assess the system's multi-state reliability and structural complexity are given. Based on system theoretical production rate and system state entropy, mathematical model for buffer capacity optimization is built and optimized by a specific genetic algorithm. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by an application of an engine head production line.

• Journal of Applied Reliability
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.248-255
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• 2015

Purpose : The purpose of this research is to develop the optimized method and process in the reliability-growth target setting, especially for complex and repairable system (or products) such as vehicle and airplane, construction equipment. Method : A reliability-growth test plan specifies a scenario to achieve the planned reliability value (or reliability target). The major elements in test planning are reliability-growth starting time and reliability level at that time, reliability-growth rate and reliability-growth target. All of them except a reliability target can be referred to the previous development data and reference researches. The reliability target level is directly influencing to test period (or time) which is related to test and warranty cost together. There are a few researches about the reliability target setting method and but showing the limitations to consider the views of engineering, business and customer together. There is no research how to handle the target setting process in detail. Result : We develop the optimized method and systematic process in reliability target setting with considering such views. This research also establish the new concept as production capability which means company (or supplier) capability to product its products. Conclusion : In this research result, we apply the new method to a few projects and can set the reasonable test planning. The developing results is showing the good balance between the developing cost and warranty cost at market.