Optimal design of k-out-of-n systems

The present paper is aimed at finding the best compromise to design a system k-out-of-n reliability configuration by means of the formulation of a multi-objective mathematical model. The Pareto front, which is the set of non-dominated solutions, is determined by considering the stationary availability and the achievable profit as objectives to be simultaneously optimized. The Pareto front represents a useful tool for the analyst to make the choice related to the analyzed design problem. In addition, the knowledge of the Pareto front permits to consider different design scenarios.