Modelling the life cycle cost of aero-engine maintenance

Abstract

This paper presents an approach of modelling the maintenance Life Cycle Cost (LCC) of an aero-engine which links the capabilities of hierarchical modelling and discrete-event simulation (DES) tools. It follows up on work previously done on a component level hierarchical cost estimation model [1]. It is concluded that, as the calculation of LCC involves a highly diverse set of representations and processes, it is undesirable to use a single software tool to undertake this task. This work seeks to demonstrate how different modelling paradigms should be used in tandem to produce an elegant solution. The individual parts of the model and the results generated are presented and discussed. Essentially, the approach shows how a design parameter can be linked to the resultant LCC to help form cause and effect relationships. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.