Reliability optimization of binary state non-repairable systems: A state of the art survey

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the state of the art on models and methods for reliability optimization problems (ROPs) including reliability allocation, redundancy allocation and reliability-redundancy allocation. There are literally few surveys for reviewing the literature of the ROPs. Tillman et al. (1980) classified the related papers by system structure, problem type, and solution methods, separately. In another work, Tzafestas (1980) reviewed system reliability optimization models and the optimization techniques. Yearout (1986) reviewed the literature related to standby redundancy. Kuo (2000) studied the system reliability optimization based on system structure and solution methods. Kuo and Prasad (2004) overviewed system reliability optimization methods. Later, Kuo (2007) reviewed recent advances in optimal reliability allocation problems. The present study adds to the previous literature surveys and focuses mainly on papers after year 2000 but with a quick review on the previous works so that the readers become familiar with the existing approaches. This research investigates the literature from system structure, system performance, uncertainty state and solution approach standpoints, simultaneously.