A mixed integer linear programming formulation for multi-component deterministic opportunistic replacement

The field of opportunistic replacement deals with the benefits of performing maintenance on equipment prior to its failure in order to avoid greater costs associated with failure. Problems of a deterministic nature, i.e., where the exact time of both mandated replacement and maintenance opportunities are known at the outset, have been solved analytically only for a two-component system. This paper represents a mixed integer linear programming formulation for any n-component system. The results are of theoretical as well as practical significance in solving problems such as maintenance scheduling in fusion power plants.