Maintenance strategies for uncertain mechanical systems considering the effects of fatigue

M. A. Valdebenito, G. I. Schuëller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This contribution presents an approach for the optimal scheduling of maintenance activities of metallic structures prone to develop fatigue cracks. The crack propagation phenomenon is addressed using a fracture mechanics approach. The uncertainties in crack propagation and in inspection activities are modeled explicitly using probabilistic tools. Thus, the problem of scheduling of maintenance activities is addressed within the framework of reliability-based optimization (RBO); therefore, it is possible to minimize the cost of inspection, repair and eventual failure while explicitly accounting for the effects of uncertainties. For solving the underlying RBO problem, an efficient method recently developed by the authors is applied. Key features of this method are the identification of descent-feasible directions and the implementation of a line search strategy, in combination with an efficient approach for estimating reliability sensitivity. An application example addressing the practical implementation of the proposed approach is presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing
StatePublished - 2009
Event12th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, CC 2009 - Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Duration: 1 Sep 20094 Sep 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 12th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, CC 2009
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityFunchal, Madeira
Period1/09/094/09/09

Keywords

  • Advanced simulation techniques
  • Fatigue cracks
  • Maintenance scheduling
  • Non-destructive inspection
  • Reliability sensitivity
  • Reliability-based optimization

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