A closed-form equation for steady-state availability of cold standby repairable k-out-of-n

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to derive a closed-form expression for the steady-state availability of a cold standby repairable k-out-of-n system. This makes the availability calculation much easier and accurate. Design/methodology/approach: Assuming exponential distributions for system failure and repair, the Markov method is employed to derive the formula. Findings: The proposed formula establishes an easier and faster venue and provides accurate steady-state availability. Research limitations/implications: The formula is valid for the case when the probability density function of the component failure and the repair is exponential. Originality/value: The Markov method has never been used in the literature to derive the steady-state availability of a cold standby repairable k-out-of-n: G system.