k-OUT-OF-n SYSTEM WITH SELF-LOOP UNITS

This paper presents an analytical approach for a k-out-of-n system with units having the failure detection, isolation, and recovery mechanisms. The approach uses the flow-graph concept and moment generating function (MGF) to analyze the reliability of the k-out-of-n system with self-loop units. This newly developed analytical approach provides the probability of system failure, system mean, and standard deviation time to failure. A solved example is presented to demonstrate the application of the approach.