Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

DOI 10.1007/s00521-011-0723-2

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Examination of the reliability of a technical object

after its regeneration in a maintenance system
with an artificial neural network
Stanisaw Duer

Received: 18 March 2010 / Accepted: 3 August 2011 / Published online: 12 August 2011
 Springer-Verlag London Limited 2011

Abstract This article presents the issues of an examination

and evaluation of the reliability of a technical object after its
regeneration in a maintenance system. The preventive
activities (regeneration) of an object are conducted in a
maintenance system which includes an artificial neural network. The author made an attempt in the paper to prove that
an artificial neural network has an indirect influence on the
quality of preventive activities organized for a technical
object and hence on the level of its reliability. This influence
is the result of the fact that information developed by a neural
network constitutes the basis in the process of the generation
of an expert knowledge base on the basis of which the
maintenance system is organized. This paper also covers the
theoretical basis. Those quantities were defined which may
be used in reliability tests of technical objects. The possibilities were presented of testing the reliability: the quality of
the use of an object after its regeneration. These tests may be
carried out in a short period of time and in a longer period of
time after the preventive activities have been carried out for a
device. This article also presents the idea of a reliability test
conducted for a technical object on the example of a device
which controls the work of a petrol engine. For this purpose,
the structure of a maintenance system was designed on the
basis of an expert knowledge base determined for an object.
Diagnostic information from an artificial neural network
constitutes the basis for these activities. A substantial part of
the article is devoted to the description of the method of the
reliability test of the object and to an analysis of the results
obtained. The test was carried out in a simulation manner

S. Duer (&)
Department of Mechanics, Technical University of Koszalin,
15-17 Raclawicka St., 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
e-mail: stanislaw.duer@tu.koszalin.pl

after a long period of time following regeneration of a

technical object.
Keywords Servicing process  System modelling 
Expert system  Artificial neural networks 
Knowledge base  Diagnostics information
1 Introduction
The changes of the objects physical properties in relation to
their nominal values result in the lowering value of the
quality of functioning, and thus the lowering value of the
objects operational function during its operation. Then,
technical object pass to a shutdown state in the operation
process (Fig. 1), which is determined by the states of nonoperation or incomplete operation states. The recognition of
the state of incomplete usability (intermediate usability
state) {1} of the objects functional elements is of a particular importance in the case of the organization of the process
of prevention (regeneration) of repairable technical objects
[1, 4, 9, 11, 18, 22, 23].
Considering the optimization of the costs of prevention,
such an approach to prevention is required so as not to
regenerate all the elements in the object (perhaps a considerable number of them do not require this: they are in a
usability state), and cover with prevention only those which
in fact require this, i.e. they are in the state of incomplete
usability {1}.

2 Regeneration of a technical object in a maintenance

system with an artificial neural network
The effect of diagnostic inferring is the determined (recognized) states of the objects functional elements (Fig. 2),

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Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

influance/interaction
o p e ra tio n

{2}

The object

{1;0}

m a in te n a n c e
Non-operational
state

Repairing
Fc
Fc

[X(e i,j )]

[X (w) (e i,j )]

ANN
Module

Fig. 1 Diagram of operation process for technical object utilizing

artificial neural network. X(ei,j)diagnostic signal in jth element of
ith set; X(w)(ei,j)model signal for X(ei,j) signal; FCfunction of the
use of the object, W(e(ei,j) = {2, 1, 0})diagnostic informationvalue of state assessment logics for element j within i module of
the object

on the basis of which the objects resultant stage is determined. Diagnosing of a technical object can also be performed in divalent logic {1, 0} or trivalent logic {2, 1, 0}.
It is known [410] that for state {2}: the operation state, the
object does not require any regeneration because it is
performing its tasks on a good quality level. At the same
time, for the two remaining states {1, 0}, the technical
object needs to be regenerated in a maintenance system. In
state {1}: the state of an incomplete operation, the object is
partially executing its tasks.
For this state, a partial regeneration is required. In state
{0}: the state of non-operation, the object is damaged and
is not performing its tasks. This state requires a complete
regeneration of the object and its constructional (functional) elements (through a replacement of an element
which constitutes the condition for the occurrence of this
state). The recognition of the state of incomplete usability
(intermediate usability state) {1} of the objects functional
elements is of a particular importance in the case of the
organization of the process of prevention (regeneration) of
repairable technical objects (Fig. 2).
For the needs of the method presented, an effective diagnostic system (Fig. 2) was built whose task is to

fl x; w

K
X

wi;j  Xi

i1

The value of its output function is derived from the relation

(2):
yl f

K
X

ti;j  Xi

i1

The results of the objects diagnosis obtained are

presented in Table 1.
A particularly important element of the maintenance
system is the knowledge base (Fig. 4). It can be defined as
specialized set of the objects maintenance information that
is determined by the following: the maintenance structure
of the object {Wz(ei,j)}, the set of rules for maintenance

Measurement
knowledge base of
the object {x(ei,j)}

The object
{ei,j}

{X(ei,j)}

Fig. 2 Scheme of diagnostic

system with ANN. X(ei,j)
diagnostic signal in jth element
of ith set; X(w)(ei,j)nominal
signal for X(ei,j) signal;
W(e(ei,j))value of state
assessment logics for jth
element within ith module of the
object

recognize (classify) the objects states in trivalent logics {2,

1, 0} [58]. The diagnostic system used in the tests was
constructed on the basis of the measuring information
obtained and DIAG diagnosing software. DIAG software is
a specialist computer programme developed for the needs of
the method presented [2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24].
The diagnostic information obtained during diagnosing
in the form of the knowledge base {W(e(ei,j))} constitutes
the input information in the process of obtaining of the
expert knowledge base which assists the maintenance of
the technical object tested. The test of the state of the
object with the use of DIAG programme is conducted
according to the algorithm. On the basis of the measurements made of the properties of the distinguished diagnostic signals, tests and an analysis by DIAG programme
with an artificial neural network (ANN) (Fig. 3). The
neural system does not require any strenuous training
because the weight coefficients of the networks are determined during calculations (they are simply known).
For the ANN presented in Fig. 3, neurone (i) is connected with neurone (j), so it transmits a signal of value
(Xi) with weight coefficient (wi,j) and the activation function, represented by the relation:

{X(w)(ei,j)}

Measurement
module

Computer

Diagnostic
knowledge
base of the
object W( (ei,j))

ANN

Structure of diagnostic system with ANN

123

Adjustment
system of the
object

Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

525

Fig. 3 Diagram of neural

networks

w11

x1

w12

y1 = 1i xi
i =1

w1n

w21
w22

x2

y 2 = 2 i xi
i =1

w2n

Diagnostic information
of the object

The object

{W((ei,j))}

wj1
n

wj2

y j = ji xi
i =1

wjn

wN1
wN2

xn

y n = Ni xi
i =1



ME ei;j Mei;j ; Wzei;j ; Ap ei;j ; Rr ei;j

Table 1 Table of objects states

State of
object

State of
module

Vector of states of elementary components {ei,j}

e(e1,1)

e(ei,j)

e(ei,J)

W(e(O))

W(e(E1))

W(e(e1,1))

W(e(e1,j))

W(e(e1,J))

We(Ei))

W(e(ei,1))

W(e(ei,j))

W(e(EI))

W(e(eI,1))

W(e(eI,j))

W(e(eI,J))

W(e(ei,j))value of state assessment logics for jth element within ith

module (from the set of the accepted three-value logic of states assessment-{2, 1, 0}) of the object, [symbol complementing the size of table

(repairing) {Rr} and the set of preventive activities {A(ei,j)}

[1, 4, 6].
A set of the objects servicing information which constitutes the basis in the process of designing of the structure
of the servicing system is presented in the form of the
following dependence:
Fig. 4 Diagram of a servicing
system with an artificial neural
network. X(ei,j)diagnostic
signal in (jth) element of (ith)
set; X(w)(ei,j)nominal signal
for X(ei,j) signal; W(e(ei,j))
value of state assessment logics
for jth element within ith
module (from the set of the
accepted three-value logic of
states assessment-{2, 1, 0}) of
the object

wNn

As a result, the maintenance system produces a set of

maintenance information {ME(ei,j)}, which will be used for
organization of the objects, which is presented in Table 2.

3 Reliability of a technical object after its regeneration

in a maintenance system with an artificial neural
network
A technical object after regeneration (restoration of its
operating properties) in a maintenance system on the basis
of information from an artificial neural network realizes its
tasks (the required function) on a level which is not worse
than a new object after it was put to use. For this reason,
a proper (rational) way of designing the structure of a
maintenance system which could meet these requirements
is so important. The papers by the author [46] present
among others theoretical grounds including those

The expert
knowledge base
of the object

The set of rules for

repairing of the
object {Rr(ei,j)}
{Rr(ei,j)}

Diagnostic
{W( (ei,j))}
{X(ei,j)}
system of the
{X(w)(ei,j)} object with ANN

Maintenance
Servicing
structure of {M(ei,j} knowledge base
of the object
the object
{W(z(ei,j))}
{M E(ei,j)}

History of
"life" of the
object

{Ap(ei,j)}

The set of
preventive activities
{Ap(ei,j)}

Servicing of knowledge base of the object

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Table 2 Structure of the servicing information of the object

Object

Servicing levels of
object

Vector of the servicing information of

the object [ME(ei,j)]
ME(e1,1)

ME(ei,j)

ME(ei,J)

ME(e1,1)

ME(e1,j)

ME(e1,J)

i
:

ME(ei,1)
:

ME(ei,j)
:

ME(ei,J)
:

ME(eI,1)

ME(eI,j)

ME(eI,J)

ME(ei,j)servicing information of jth element in ith assembly

applications which are used for the construction of optimal

structures of maintenance systems for technical objects
known as continuous operation objects. Those technical
objects which were regenerated in maintenance systems,
and which operate in special conditions, e.g., a limited time
for the execution of preventive activities, etc. [46] require
a constant recognition of their operational and reliability
properties so that they could be maximized. Durability is
the quantity which describes for most of technical objects
their ability to perform their tasks.
Definition 1 Durability of a technical object (s) is the
objects ability to be used non-stop in the process of
operation. The objects durability is directly connected
with the process of ageing and wear [1113, 22]. The
speed of these processes, which in most cases occur in
technical objects under operation, depends from the conditions of the environment in which these objects are
found during their operation (use). The dimension of
durability as a measure which describes the objects
operational properties is the time which passes from the
moment it was put to use till the moment the object stops
to realize its required function (the tasks assigned to it).
This time is a random variable (s) of a continuous type
which accepts the values from the range of (0, ?). The
durability of an object is the resultant of the durability of
its constructional (functional) elements. When trivalent
logic is applied in the diagnosing process and when the
object is regenerated so as to be found in the state of an
incomplete usability, the durability of the object after
regeneration is not worse than the durability of a new
object which has only been put to use. The durability of
those objects which belong to the same class (group) is a
comparable quantity. It is accepted that the durability of
those objects which belong to the same population (class
of objects) is described with the same distribution of the
random variable (s). The distribution of the random variable (s) characterizes fully the operational properties of
an object including the reliability properties and its
durability.

123

The basic characteristics to describe the operational and

reliability properties of a technical object after regeneration
in a maintenance system constructed on the basis of
information from an artificial neural network is the reliability (durability) function of an object in a maintenance
system (R(t)) [1, 9, 1113, 18, 22, 23], which was presented
in the following form:
Rt Ps  t

where R(t)reliability (durability) function of an object

after regeneration in a maintenance system, ttime of
objects operation, stime until the occurrence of a defect
(or going over to the state of incomplete operation), for
which the durability of a technical object is satisfactory.
Definition 2 The function of reliability (durability) of an
object which was regenerated in a maintenance system
(R(t)) on the basis of information from an artificial neural
network specifies reliability properties including the
objects durability [1113, 22, 23]. This is the probability
of an occurrence that the operational (reliability) quality of
a technical object (FC(t)) described with time (s) will be
equal or larger than moment (t). The probability of the use
of a new object or one which was fully regenerated in a
maintenance system is equal to a unit. We then say that a
technical object is performing its function required on the
highest level.
Another quantity which may serve to describe the
operational and reliability properties of a technical object
after regeneration is the function of the unreliability
(unfitness) of an object in a maintenance system, which is
described with the following dependence:
At Ps\t

where A(t)the function of non-regeneration (unreliability) of an object after preventive activities has been performed in a maintenance system.
Definition 3 The function of unreliability (lack of durability) of an object in a maintenance system (A(t)) on the
basis of information from an artificial neural network
determines the unreliability properties of an object after
preventive activities have been performed [1113]. This is
the probability of an occurrence that the operational (reliability) quality of a technical object (FC(t)) described with
time (s) will be smaller than moment (t). It can also be said
(demonstrated) that the function (A(t)) is the distribution
function of the random variable (s), which can be written in
the form of the following dependence:
At 1  Rt

If the density function of the objects fitness for use f(s) is

to be used for a description of the objects operational

Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

527

properties, then the quantity of the function of the objects

unfitness can be presented in the form as follows:
At

Zt

f sdt

The density function of the objects fitness for use f(s) can
also be written in the following form:
f s

dAt
dRt

dt
dt

Another quantity which characterizes well the objects

fitness for use is an expression in the form of a ratio of f(s) to
R(t) [22]. This expression is known as the intensity function
of the objects damage. The above-mentioned expression
was presented in the following form:
kt

f s
d
 lnRs
ds
dt

Definition 4 The intensity function of the objects

damage is a quantity which describes instantaneous
reliability properties of an object in time (t). This quantity
is also specified as the local characteristics of the objects
reliability [12, 13, 22]. There is a close dependence between
the quantities of k(s) and R(s), which can be presented as
the following dependence:
8
9
< Zt
=
Rs exp  ksdt
:
;

10

For many research problems, the functions of damage

density and damage intensity are of a primary importance
as they express the local characteristics of the objects use
in time (t) of its life. They refer to the probability of the
unfitness and fitness of the object, respectively, in the time
interval of \0, t[.
In many important research aspects, the changes can be
interesting of those quantities which describe the objects
operational properties including damage density or damage
intensity, which are expressed in short time intervals \t,
t ? Dt[ and accept the following form:
f t

Rt  Rt Dt
dt

11

Rt  Rt Dt
Rtdt

12

and
kt

equated to the length of this interval. At the same time,

quantity k(t) in time (t) describes a relative change of the
durability function R(t) of the object per an interval unit
(Dt). For a significant group of technical devices, it is
justifiable to equate durability (reliability) to the availability function, especially in a longer period of examination, e.g. for a period of the objects operation understood
as the time of its life.

The damage density function f(t) in time (t) of the objects

life expresses an absolute change of durability (reliability) function R(t) of the object in time interval (Dt)

4 Quantities that characterize the objects reliability

properties (durability) after regeneration
during operation time
From the set presented in the literature [1, 4, 11, 18, 19, 22,
23] of those indices which characterize the operation process of a technical object, the quantity which best reflects
the operation process is availability factor (Kg) and availability function (Kg(t)).
The calculation process of availability function (Kg(t))
is usually simplified when it is calculated for the
boundary value at (t ? ?). This quantity has a close
relation with the stationary characteristics of the process
of damages and servicing. For this reason, availability
factor (Kg) is the most suitable measure to express the
effectiveness of the operation process, which combines at
the same time the objects performance and economic
properties.
Definition 5 Availability factor (Kg) of an object is the
probability of an event which consists in the fact that the
object is in working order after a sufficiently long period of
operation (t ? ?). Availability factor (Kg) determines the
average share of the operation periods of a technical object
in the total period of its operation, which is presented with
the following dependence:
Kg lim Kg t lim Kgsr t
t!1

t!1

13

where Kgsr (t)the average value of availability factor

(Kg).
The determination of availability factor (Kg) requires
that the operation process of a given object is known
exactly. While having the determined quantity which
expresses the effectiveness of the operation process of an
object of any class, one can determine the quality function
of the objects operation process.
Another function which characterizes fairly well the
objects ability to perform its tasks is the objects nonavailability function Ln(t); if it is determined in a longer
time interval (t ? ?), then one may speak of the objects
non-availability factor.

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Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

Definition 6 The objects non-availability factor Ln is the

probability of an occurrence which consists in the fact that
the object is not available for use after a sufficiently long
period of operation (t ? ?). Non-availability factor Ln
specifies the average share of the non-availability periods of
a technical object over the whole period of its operation,
which was presented in the form of the following
dependence:
Ln 1  Kg

14

5 Examination of the reliability of a technical object

after its regeneration in a maintenance system
on the example of a device controlling the operation
of a petrol engine
5.1 The structure of a maintenance system for a device
controlling the operation of a petrol engine,
organized on the basis of information
from an artificial neural network
The method for the examination of the reliability of a
technical object after its regeneration presented will be
verified on the example of a reparable technical object. The
object is an analogue controller unit for combustion automotive engine with its peripheries [5] (Figs. 5, 6).
5.2 Preparation of the set of the elements
of the objects maintenance structure
The object was subject to a diagnostic development, as a
result of which a functional-diagnostic diagram was
developed. In the example, an object was used whose
internal structure (Fig. 6) is composed of seven modules
(E1, E2,, E7) (Table 3), and each one of them, up to five
elements were distinguished [1, 4].
The use of DIAG software requires preparation of input
diagnostic information on the basis of a functional and

Fig. 5 Photo of electronic controller for automotive engine

123

diagnostic analysis of a given object [48, 10]. A functional and diagnostic model of an object needs to be made.
On the basis of this, the following was determined: a set of
basic elements, a set of diagnostic signals {X(ei,j)} and a set
of their model (standard) signals {X(w)(ei,j)}. The results of
measurements [6] for chosen elements of the object are
presented in Table 4.
The state of the object was determined on the basis of
the measurements of the diagnostic signal features processed. They were processed and analysed by an artificial
neural network [7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 17, 24]. The final results
obtained from DIAG programme were presented in the
form of a table of states (Table 5).
As a result of the functional and diagnostic analysis
conducted according to the same diagram of procedures as
for the whole set of the object, a set of output signals was
determined, which were subject to tests with the use of
DIAG software. On the basis of the examination of the
objects state, tables of states were determined for a object,
and a comparison was made of the states with the model
state, which is presented in Tables 3, 4 and 5. Table 6
presents the results obtained.
On the further state of the listing (development) of the
set of the objects operational information, a classification
(grouping) of elements was conducted in order to distinguish classes (groups) of operational elements [6]. With the
use of the manner of classification of operational elements
as presented in the article, the objects functional elements
were grouped into operational classes. The results obtained
were presented in Table 7.
5.3 Determination of the set of preventive activities
to renovate of the servicing object
An important element in the set of operational information is the set of prophylactic (operational) activities
performed on the objects functional elements with the
aim of their regeneration. For this purpose, the methodology was used and presented in [24, 6, 15]. While
making use of the determined set of operational elements (Tables 8, 9), during the transformation of operational information, to the operational elements, suitable
subsets (sets) of prophylactic activities {A(ei,j)} were
assigned, which are suitable for a given class of each
element.
Each maintenance activity from (Table 8) is related to
its proper value of the function of the servicing of servicing elements. Such values can be determined in an
empirical way only; thus, it is convenient to present them
with fuzzy logic values [2, 3, 15], e.g. \none, small,
average, full[.
The results obtained from the listing of the set of operational information {ME(ei,j)} are presented in Table 9.

Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

e1,1

e1,2

X(e1,2)

e1,3

X(e1,3)

X(e1,4)

e1,4

e1,5

e4,2

from engine

e4,1

X(e1,5 )

E1

X(e1,1)

529

ECU

e2,1

X(e2,1)

e2,2

e5,1

Engine
X(e3,1 )

e3,2

ECU

E4

X(e3,2 )

X(e5,1)

e5,2

e5,3

ECU

ECU

E5

X(e3,3)

e3,1

X(e4,1)

X(e2,2)

E2

ECU

X(e4,2)
ECU

e3,3

e6,1

ECU

E3

X(e6,1)

e6,2

ECU

e7,1

E6

E7

Fig. 6 Diagram of an electronic controller for an automotive engine.

E1ignition module: e1,1automotive alternator, e1,2voltage regulator, e1,3battery, e1,4coil ignition, e1,5sparking plug; E2
fuelling module: e2,1fuel tank ventilation valve, e2,2fuel injector;
E3air-feeding module: e3,1air flow meter, e3,2throttle position

sensor, e3,3idle run position controller; E4starting circuit:

e4,1combustion knocking sensor, e4,2coolant temperature sensor;
E5power supply circuit: e5,1oxygen sensor (1), e5,2catalyser,
e5,3oxygen sensor (2); E6engine block: e6,1crank shaft position
sensor, e6,2EGR valve; E7e7,1 electronic control unit

Table 3 Internal structure of the object

Table 5 The table of objects states

Assembly of
the object

Structure of the object {ei,j}

State of
the object

Ei

e1

e2

e3

e4

e5

E1

e1,1

e1,2

e1,3

e1,4

e1,5

E2

e2,1

e2,2

E3

e3,1

e3,2

e3,3

E4

e4,1

e4,2

E5

e5,1

e5,2

e5,3

E6
E7

e6,1
e7,1

e6,2
[

[
[

[
[

[
[

State of
the module

Vector of elements states e(ej)

e1

e2

e3

e4

e5

Table 6 The initial set of the objects maintenance information

Table 4 Matrix of measures of diagnostic signals from the object
Level of
object Ei

Vector of initial diagnostic signals {X(ei,j)} [V]

Ei

e1

e2

e3

e4

e5

State of
the object

State of
the module

Vector of elements states e(ej)

e1

e2

e3

e4

e5

E1

12,41

12,01

11,03

48,00

47,97

E2

12,96

50,12

E3

3,10

3,97

12,01

E4

1,96

2,96

E5

1,07

1,10

1,04

E6
E7

3,08
5,01

12,02
[

[
[

[
[

[
[

this element of diagnostic structure does not require servicing

(table size completion symbol)

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Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

Table 7 Classes of the objects maintenance structure elements

Table 10 The set of operational rules for the object

The level of
maintenance
structure

Element no.
in the object

Rules of operation

e1,1

R1: If e(e1,1) is {1} then M(e1,1)) ? {2, 4, 5, 6,

8, 10} = ME(e1,1)

e1,2

R2: If e(e1,2) is {1} then M(e1,2)) ? {2, 4, 5, 6, 8,

10} = ME(e1,2)

Classes of the objects maintenance structure

elements
II

III

IV

VI

VII

VIII

e1,1; e1,2;
e1,3; e1,4;
e1,5

e2,5

e2,6

e2,3

e2,2

e2,1

e2,4

e1,3

R3: If e(e1,3) is {} then M(e1,3) = ME(e1,3)

e3,1

e1,4

R4: If e(e1,4) is {} then M(e1,4) = ME(e1,4)

R5: If e(e1,5) is {} then M(e1,5) = ME(e1,5)

e3,2

e4,2

e4,1

e4,3

e1,5

e5,1; e5,2;
e5,3

e2,1

R6: If e(e2,1) is {} then M(e2,1) = ME(e2,1)

e2,2

e6,3;
e6,4;
e6,5

e6,1

R7: If e(e2,2) is {1} then M(e2,2) ? {2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,

9, 10} = ME(e2,2)

e3,1

R8: If e(e3,1) is {} then M(e3,1) = ME(e3,1)

e3,2

R9: If e(e3,3) is {} then M(e3,2) = ME(e3,2)

e3,3

R10: If e(e3,3) is {} then M(e3,3) = ME(e3,3)

e4,1

R11: If e(e4,1) is {} then M(e4,1) = ME(e4,1)

e4,2

R12: If e(e4,2) is {} then M(e4,2) = ME(e4,2)

e5,1

R13: If e(e5,1) is {0} then M(e4,4)) ?

{1, 10} = ME(e4,4)

e6,6

e6,2

e7,1

Table 8 The set of preventive activities

Set of preventive activities
Replacing the element
with a new one
Servicing

Code for the

activity al

The value of
servicing function

a1

Complete

a2

Small

Adjustment
Tuning

a3
a4

Small
Average

Regeneration

a5

Average

Conservation

a6

Small

Lubrication

a7

Small

Cleaning

a8

Small

Re-filling of working fluids

a9

Small

Control check-up

a10

None

Table 9 The structure of maintenance system for the object

Class of element

Elements of operational
structure

Elements of structure
of operational
activities

IIMechatronic

{e2,5; e6,3; e6,4; e6,5}

{2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10}

IIIElectric

{e1,1; e1,2; e1,3; e1,4;

e1,5; e2,6; e4,2; e5,1;
e5,2; e5,3}

{2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10}

IV
Electromechanic

{e2,3; e3,2; e4,1; e6,1}

{2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10}

VPneumatic

{e2,2}

{2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

VIHydraulic

{e2,1}

{2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

VIIMechanical
VIIIDigital

{e2,4; e4,3; e6,6}

{e3,1; e6,2; e7,1}

{2, 5, 6, 8, 10}
{1, 10}

123

e5,2

R14: If e(e5,1) is {} then M(e5,2) = M(e5,2)

e5,3

R15: If e(e5,3) is {1} then M(e5,3) ? {2, 4, 5, 6, 8,

10} = M(e5,3)

e6,1

R16: If e(e6,1) is {} then M(e6,1) = ME(e6,1)

e6,2

R17: If e(e6,2) is {} then M(e6,2) = ME(e6,2)

e7,1

R18: If e(e7,1) is {} then M(e7,1) = ME(e7,1)

5.4 Determination of the set of rules of operation

to renovate the servicing object
The set of operational rules {Rr(ei,j)} constitutes an
important subset of the set of operational information,
whose diagram was presented in Fig. 3. The set of operational rules was compiled according to the algorithm presented in the article. For this purpose, the previously
obtained results in the form of stage sets of operational
information were used, which were put in Tables 6, 7, 8
and 9. The results obtained were presented in Table 10 and
Fig. 7.
The final form of the maintenance knowledge base was
presented in the form of the information included in
Table 10 and Fig. 7. This table includes a set of maintenance rules for the object. Each rule included in this table
determines explicitly which element of a given assembly
of the object must be subject to regeneration, and what
range of prevention activities (from the set of the activities) is to be performed on it. The execution of the
determined set of maintenance rules will result in the
regeneration of the whole element, assembly and the
whole object.

Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

531

The object to
repairing

level of the
servicing 1

level of the
servicing 2

level of the
servicing 3

level of the
servicing 4

level of the
servicing 5

level of the
servicing 6

level of the
servicing 7

Fitness of the
subassembly 1

Preventive activities
{2,4,5,6,8,10}

12
layers of the servicing

Fitness of the
subassembly 2

Preventive activities
{2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10}

2
layers of the servicing

Fitness of the
subassembly 3

{ME(e3,j)= }

Fitness of the
subassembly 4

{ME(e4,j)= }

Fitness of the
subassembly 5

Preventive activities
{1,10} {2,4,5,6,8,10}

are known. The data obtained constitute the basis for a

simulation examination of the object in the model of the
operation process developed.
The results of simulation tests obtained for the accepted
duration of the investigation (To) are presented in Figs. 4
and 5.
An investigation of the real operation process of an
object constitutes the basis for obtaining data for a simulation investigation of the models of processes. The following quantities constitute the required input data for
tests:

duration of the use of the object (T) (time when the

object is in the operation state);
duration of the removal of the objects non-operation
state (Ta);
duration of prophylactic repair (Tp);
period of forecast (optimal) prophylaxis (h).

13
layers of the servicing

Fitness of the
subassembly 6

{ME(e6,j)= }

Fitness of the
subassembly 7

{ME(e7,j)= }

The object after

repairing

The source of the data mentioned above may be an

observation of real operation processes as well as a suitably
prepared and conducted simulation experiment.
The simulation investigations were carried out for constant inputs for prophylaxis in the whole period of operation [a simulation time of the objects use: (To)]. As an
evaluation of a real operation process is too much time
consuming, three operation process models were developed
for the purpose of investigations:
1.

STRUCTURE OF THE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM OF THE OBJECT

Fig. 7 The scheme of structure of the maintenance system of the

object. {1 to 10}the set of preventive activities of the object: {1}
control check-up, {2}servicing, {3}adjustment, {4}tuning,
{5}regeneration, {6}conservation, {7}lubrication, {8}
cleaning, {9}re-filling of working fluids, {10}replacing the
element with a new one

The technical object, once the maintenance has been

performed, is subject to a control check-up (testing) of the
state, and in the case of a negative result of the control, the
object is once again referred to prevention.

6 Examination of the reliability (durability) of a device

controlling the operation of a petrol engine after its
regeneration in a maintenance system
with an artificial neural network
An examination of the reliability of a technical object after
regeneration in a maintenance system on the basis of
information from an artificial neural network requires that
the times of the fitness (operation) and non-fitness (damage) which describe the object in a real operation process

2.
3.

model A: an objects operation process using information in trivalent logic (a model with an expert
system, with artificial neural network),
model B: an objects operation process using information in divalent logic,
model C: an objects operation process organized in a
classical manner, i.e. without an investigation of the
state.

In the investigations, the following were evaluated: the

indices which characterize the operation process of technical objects, availability factor (Kg) and the quality
function of the objects operation process (Ln). The determination of the value of availability factor (Kg) and the
quality function of the objects operation process requires
that the properties of the operation process of the technical
object used are known exactly: the characteristics of the
damage and servicing processes (Ttime of use and Ta
time of servicing).
The operating quantities used for the purpose of a
simulation examination of the objects models of operation processes were determined on the basis of observations and an examination of the technical and
operating documentation of the device tested of the same
class. The input data accepted for the investigations are
as follows:

123

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Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

7 Results and discussion

Kg

0,97072

model A model B model C -

0,72804

0,48536

0,24268

To[t.u]

0,00

2,25

5,00

7,25

10,00

Fig. 8 Function of availability (Kg) for investigated models of

operating process
Ln

1
0,98977

In the investigations, those factors were evaluated which

characterize the objects reliability after preventive activities had been performed in a maintenance system using an
artificial neural network (model A) and without any networks (models B and C) in the operation process of technical objects. The following were covered by an analysis:
availability factor (Kg) and non-availability factor (Ln). The
results obtained were presented on diagrams (Figs. 8, 9).
The following conclusions follow from an analysis
(Figs. 8, 9) of dependence (Kg) and (Ln) expressed in the
function of examination time (To) [t.u]: pre-arranged units
of the examination time.
1.

model A model B model C -

2.

0,74232

0,49488

0,24744

To[t.u]

0,00

2,25

5,00

7,25

10,00

Fig. 9 Diagram of changes of objects unavailability (Ln) factor in

objects operation process for investigated models of maintenance
systems (models: A, B and C)

The average time of the removal of the non-operation

state (Ta) is determined from (T/Ta) relation for given
values included in set {ba}, where T/Ta = {B}; for the
examinations, values {B = 1, 2, 4, 8} were accepted;
The average time of a prophylactic repair (Tp) is
determined from (T/Tp) relation for simulation examinations; a constant value (5) was accepted, where: (T/
Tp) = 5; the average period of the planning of a
prophylactic repair was determined in the diagnostic
experiment in the way of forecasting of the time of
further preventive treatment, and this time amounts to
h = 110 [time units].

An examination of the objects reliability after its

regeneration in a maintenance system was conducted for
three models of the objects operation processes (models A,
B and C). The results obtained were presented in a
graphical form (Figs. 8, 9).

123

3.

The results of the investigation of quantities (Kg) for

the model (A and B) are decreasing, and the largest
value of (Kg) is for model A, and it is (KgA = 0.7508).
For the remaining models, this quantity is as follows:
(KgB = 0.4931) and (KgC = 0.2332).
The quantity investigated (Kg) has also a practical
aspect: it refers to the effectiveness of the organization
of a given servicing system. We may find from the
definition of this quantity: dependence (14) of quantity
(Kg) [9, 11, 22, 23] that this factor determines the
availability of the object to be used as it is intended for
use in the period of use (T). Therefore, the organization system of prophylaxis is the most effective
presented in model (A), as value (KgA = 0.7508) is
the maximum value. We can find for this value that
in a given period of use (t = T) for time (t = 3/4T),
the object is technically operational: it is able to
perform its tasks (required functions). At the same
time, for the models investigated (A, B and C), the
smallest effectiveness of the servicing system organization is found in model (C) for value
(KgC = 0.2332). For this value (KgC), we can state
that in the time of use (t = 1 - 0.2332T), the object
is not able to perform its tasks (this is an ineffective
use: the shutdown state) (Fig. 1).
The quantity (Ln) investigated possesses a very
important practical aspect. It informs the examiner of
the ineffectiveness of the organization (structure) of
the designed maintenance system being investigated.
This quantity represents information concerning the
average share of non-availability times (damage and
preventive activities) in the interval of the whole
period of the examination (operation) of the object. It
is evident from the definition of this value under
examination, i.e., the factor of the objects nonavailability (presented in the form of dependence
(14) [1, 2, 5] that this factor specifies non-availability
(unfitness, non-readiness, unserviceability, etc.) for use

Neural Comput & Applic (2012) 21:523534

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

through the use of the object as intended in the

operation time (T). Therefore, we may find that the
greater the value of (Ln), the greater unreliability is of
the object under investigation. It was established on
the basis of an analysis of the test results (cf. Fig. 9)
that the organization system of preventive activities
presented in model (C) is the most inefficient.
The quantity under investigation possesses the value of
(LnA = 0.7508) and is the maximum value for these
three models examined. We may establish for this
value of (LnA = 0.7508) that in the examined period of
operation (t = T) for time (t = 3/4T), the object is
technically unfit (unable) to perform its tasks (required
functions). At the same time, for models (A, B)
examined, the least inefficiency of the organization of
the maintenance system is for model (A) for value
(LnA = 0.2332). For this value of (LnA), we find that
during the time of operation (t = 1 - 0.2332T), the
object is not able to perform its tasks (this is an
ineffective use: the shutdown state which occurred
probably as a result of the object having been damaged
or the stay of this object in a maintenance system
(regeneration time)).
An examination of those quantities which describe the
reliability (durability) of an object in the process of
operation constitutes an important (basic) tool in
undertaking of those activities which serve to optimize
the effectiveness of a maintenance system. It might
become evident that the reliability of an object after it
has been regenerated in a maintenance system is not
satisfactory; in this case, one needs to resign from
those activities which optimize the operational costs of
a given technical object.
The examinations that were conducted serve to
confirm that an evaluation of the objects reliability
after its regeneration in a maintenance system may
constitute one of the criteria (ways) of the evaluation
of the maintenance system designed.
On the basis of the examination results obtained
(Figs. 8, 9), it can be demonstrated that a repairable
technical object will have the highest reliability after
regeneration when it is serviced in a rational (optimal) maintenance system. The notion of a rational
maintenance system refers to such a system of
preventive activities for a technical object which
has been designed on the basis of reliable diagnostic
information which uses trivalent logics of the evaluation of states.
Diagnostic information developed by neural networks
which classify the objects states in trivalent logics
constitutes the basis in the designing of the structures
of maintenance systems for technical objects.

533

8 Conclusions
This paper presents a method of the examination and
evaluation of the reliability properties of a technical object
on the example of a petrol engine control system. The
object under examination is an analogue class object which
characterizes well this group of technical devices. An
analysis and observation of the real operation process of
this object constitute the basis of the research presented. In
order to organize the examinations, one needs to do the
following:
1.
2.
3.

4.

Develop a model of the operation process of a given

technical object;
Develop a plan of the examinations;
Prepare input data for the examinations: data which
describes the operational properties of the object under
examination, such as the time of the use of the object
Tthe time when the object remains in the state of
usability; Tatime required to remove the objects
unfitness; Tptime required for preventive repairs.
Recognize the specificity of preventive activities for
this class of objects.

The issue presented in this paper concerning an

examination of the operational properties of technical
objects during their operation is a challenging task. This
difficulty is the consequence of the required length of the
time interval of observations (the measurement of the
unfitness time and of the fitness time) in a real operation
process of an object, which is practically expressed in
years. A simulation examination is the only rational
(reasonable) approach to this type of examination. An
examination of this type involves recognition of a real
operation process of a technical object as well as determination of reliable input data. A good action plan of an
examination (how to examine) of a given object constitutes the basis of any examination. The models developed
of the organization of the maintenance system constitute
the basis of the simulation examination of the operation
process of a technical object. In papers [4, 6, 9], the
author presented among others the idea and methodology
of the development of the operation process models of
technical objects including such models which describe a
maintenance system which makes use of diagnoses in
trivalent logics (information from an artificial neural network). The issues of the modelling of systems, events and
operation processes of technical objects are complex and
concern many fields of science such as mathematics,
operation theory, reliability theory, technical diagnostics,
modelling theory of systems, information science, etc.
Each of these directions presented are being intensely
developed at present.

123

534

The problem of modelling and simulation examination

of the effectiveness of the operation process of a technical
object presented in the article constitutes an innovative
solution, and the author is intending to develop it in the
future.

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