A Multi-attribute Reliability Allocation Method Considering Uncertain Preferences

In reliability allocation, certain reliability values are assigned to subsystems and components to achieve the required system reliability. One big challenge in solving such reliability-based design problems is how to handle the uncertain preferences of a decision maker on multiple attributes of interest. In this paper, we propose a new ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method based on an analytic hierarchy process to address the decision maker's uncertain preferences in reliability allocation. In the proposed OWA operator, a bi-objective mathematical programming model considering both maximal entropy and minimal variance is transformed into a single-objective mathematical programming model using an ideal-point method. The maximum entropy minimal variance OWA operator takes full advantage of available information and avoids overestimating the decision maker's preferences. A detailed computational procedure is presented to facilitate the implementation of the proposed method in practice. An illustrative example about the powertrain of fuel cell vehicles is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in handling multiple attributes with uncertain preferences in reliability allocation. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.