Minimizing the Lost Flow Due to Component Failures for Complex Repairable Flow Networks

For repairable flow networks with complex topology, a simple and efficient algorithm is proposed for minimising the lost flow due to component failures during a specified time interval, at a specified output flow rate. The algorithm is based on two fundamental properties of repairable flow networks which involve the new concept 'specific resistance of a flow path'. The developed algorithm can be applied for optimal scheduling of flows, which significantly improves the quality of service of communication, production and transportation networks.