How to leverage computer simulation in condition-based maintenance

ABSTRACT

Computer simulation creates not only the potential to improve many functions within the U.S. Army aviation's condition-based maintenance paradigm, but it also holds the capability to help enhance the CBM vision of achieving optimal operational readiness of the fleet. Therefore, instead of focusing on answering whether computer simulation modeling can be used to enhance CBM, it is perhaps more worthwhile to focus on how to best introduce computer simulation modeling into the CBM process in the most effective manner. This paper presents three alternatives for addressing how to introduce computer simulation techniques into CBM: a) develop computer simulation tools in-house that are tailored specifically to U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command engineering requirements; b) use existing commercial simulation software tools, such as Crystal Ball and Palisades Decision Tools, for analysis of existing data; and c) outsource the modeling functions to external agencies that have demonstrated expertise in computer simulation.