Simulation of maintained multicomponent systems for dependability assessment

Abstract

In this chapter, we propose a modeling approach of both degradation and failure processes and the maintenance strategy applied on a multicomponent system. In particular, we describe the method implementation using stochastic synchronized Petri nets and Monte Carlo simulation. The structured and modular model developed allows consideration of dependences between system components due either to failures or to operating and environmental conditions. Maintenance activity effectiveness is also modeled to represent the ability of preventive actions to detect component degradation, and the ability of both preventive and corrective actions to modify and keep under control degradation mechanism evolution in order to avoid occurrence of a failure. The results obtained from part of a nuclear power plant are presented to underline specificities of the method.