Exact cost minimization of a series-parallel system

Abstract: The redundancy allocation problem is formulated minimizing the design cost for a series-parallel system with multiple component choices whereas ensuring a given system reliability level. The obtained model is a nonlinear integer programming problem with a non linear, non separable constraint. We propose an algebraic method, based on Gr\"obner bases, to obtain the exact solution of the problem. In addition, we provide a closed form for the required Gr\"obner bases, avoiding the bottleneck associated with the computation, and promising computational results.