Optimal Maintenance of Stochastically Failing Equipment

Abstract : A presentation of the theory of maintenance for both deterministic and stochastic problems. For deterministic situations, the thory is straightforward and provides a useful introduction to the theory for stochastic situations. The report gives a treatment on the basic theory of optimal maintenance policy for stochastic problems, and applications of optimal maintenance policies to concrete problems in the maintenance of military systems. The models of maintenance activity underlying these applications are divided into two groups: (1) preventive maintenance models, applied to the maintenance of manned aircraft; (2) preparedness maintenance models, applied to the maintenance of a typical ballistic missiles system. (Author)