Hierarchical strategy for machinery maintenance

A review of illustrative aerospace and automotive evolutions is provided as a basis for relating the hierarchical function system concept. It is pointed out that the primary objective of a hierarchical system is to minimize the quantity of physical elements by using those physical elements in a logical, time- or demand-oriented manner to realize optimum use of physical resources in attaining all required system performance. Attention is given to a system engineering approach to designing a hierarchical system for machinery performance monitoring and maintenance prediction. The considered investigation has the objective to outline precedents which indicate opportunities for technology transfer, taking into account the advantages offered by virtual implementations and a system organized in a hierarchical manner.