Modeling and simulation methodology of the operational availability and logistics using Extended Colored Stochastic Petri Nets — an astronautics case study

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for the modeling and analysis of complex systems. The model incorporates an extended colored stochastic Petri net and a reliability block diagram in a conjoint modeling procedure which allows a close-to-reality representation of a complex systems behavior. The application of the modeling and analysis methodology has been demonstrated. A fault-redundant system aboard a space station has been considered in a case study. For verification purpose the results of the simulation have been compared with the analytic solutions of another publication. The operational reliability characteristics of the system have been analyzed in a simulation study, the influence of the maintenance strategy on the operation availability and the spare part demand has been considered. The methodology allows considering the interdependencies of reliability, availability, maintenance and logistics within a system and its optimization. The methodology also allows decision support, for example in case of a situational adaption of the maintenance strategy at any point of time.