Reliability structure functions based upon fuzzy numbers

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to establish a basis for reliability structure functions where the space of states for the system and its components is assumed to be a family of fuzzy numbers. A particular non-probabilistic uncertainty can be modeled in this way, generalizing classical crisp binary and multistate models in reliability theory. The importance of an underlying order relation defined on the given family of fuzzy numbers is also stressed.<>