Cannibalization revisited

A mathematical model for assessing the impact of cannibalization on the system reliability is presented. To show that cannibalization can strictly increase reliability we develop a model (reliability) of cannibalization for the probability of survival of a system with k lines of n series connected components when no short interruptions to the system are allowed (no cannibalization) and when short interruptions to the system are allowed (cannibalization). It is assumed for practical reasons that the lines are identical. All components are assumed to be identical, with exponentially distributed lifetimes. The simulation results of our model quantitatively appraise the superiority of systems in which cannibalization is allowed over those in which it is prohibited.