Dynamic modeling of general three-state k-out-of-n:G systems: Permanent-based computational results

This paper is concerned with dynamic reliability analysis of three-state k-out-of-n:G systems. It is assumed that the components and the systems can be in three states: perfect functioning, partial performance and complete failure. Using the concept of permanent, we study marginal and joint survival functions for the lifetime of two different three-state k-out-of-n:G systems that consist of independent and nonidentical components. Illustrative examples are also provided for the components which follow the Markov degradation process. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.