Optimal design of k-out-of-n redundant systems

Abstract A k-out-of-n system is one in which at least k out of n units are to function for the successful operation of the system. Examples of such systems are found in communication, multiprocessor and transportation systems. A k-out-of-n system is very general and includes the parallel, series, N-Modular Redundancy (NMR), and fail safe systems as special cases. In this paper, the optimization problems are formulated and solved for the minimum expected total cost of k-out-of-n systems. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.