Delay time modelling and software development

Delay time modelling (DTM) is the process to establish the mathematical model based on the delay time concept and then to use it for improving plant maintenance management. The delay time model can be divided into a single component model (component-tracking model) or a complex system model (pooled-components model). DTM has been proved to be a methodology readily embraced by engineers for modelling maintenance decisions. The application and research of delay time modelling has come to a stage where a semi-automated tool can be developed. In this thesis, the research on the software development of delay time modelling will be presented. Firstly, delay time models for both a single component (or component-tracking model) and a complex system (or pooled-components model) are introduced. The key part is delay time parameter estimation, which will be presented in details using available subjective, objective or both Secondly, the development of the software package is presented. It includes project analysis, database design, and program design. In the project analysis phase, the delay time models are transformed to program models. All analysis of program models consists of three parts, such as input, processing and output. In the database design phase, some tables are created to store processing information, which is then used in subsequent mathematical modelling. Detailed programming work is given in the program design phase. The major achievement of this research and an open discussion of future work conclude the thesis.