Reliability modelling of repairable systems using Petri nets and fuzzy Lambda-Tau methodology

A methodology is developed which uses Petri nets instead of the fault tree methodology and solves for reliability indices utilising fuzzy Lambda-Tau m ethod. Fuzzy set theory is used for representing the failure rate and repai r time instead of the classical (crisp) set theory because fuzzy numbers al low expert opinions, Linguistic variables, operating conditions, uncertaint y and imprecision in reliability information to be incorporated into the sy stem model. Petri nets are used because unlike the fault tree methodology, the use of Petri nets allows efficient simultaneous generation of minimal c ut and path sets. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. AU rights reserved.