Optimizing the Utilization of Redundancy of the Apollo Acceptance Checkout Equipment

Abstract

This article describes a model useful for optimizing the utilization of redundant subsystems in complex test systems. Developed for the Apollo Acceptance Checkout Equipment (ACE), the procedure describes the critical operational modes of the test system; predicts system reliability under various configurations by the use of a Markovian process; and assesses penalties for the use of redundant elements. A ranking scheme then permits management to select the optimum configuration for each critical test.