Multi-phase-mission reliability of maintained standby systems

Abstract

In a phased mission the functional organization of the system changes at selected times which mark the boundaries of the phases of the mission. Existing methods for analysis of phased missions are modified and extended to permit determination of the reliability of systems which are maintained during a standby period, called the operational readiness phase, during which the system functions solely to maintain its readiness for a later period of active operations. This mode of operation is frequently exhibited by strategic weapon systems and safety devices. These results are then extended to systems which perform complex multi-objective missions to permit assessment of system performance at levels intermediate between total failure and total success