Modeling the reliability of repairable systems in the aviation industry

The jet engine is an example of a complex system that periodically requires repair or restoration. This paper discusses how the Weibull process, a non-homogeneous Poisson process, can be used as a new approach in modeling jet engine life. The Weibull process can be a very useful tool in modeling repairable systems. The removal characteristics are estimated by collecting actual field data based on the engine age and operating environment. The process parameters are estimated using methodology that is based on data generated from multiple systems. This analysis includes an example of a jet engine application illustrating how the model predictions compare to actual events. The overall capability of the model is measured by examining both data fit and forecasting accuracy.