In a complex manufacturing process, three operations are performed in series. Because of the nature of the process, machines frequently fall out of adjustment and must be repaired. To keep the system going, two identical machines are used at each stage; thus, if one fails, the other can be used while the first is repaired (see figure, below). The reliabilities of the machines are as follows:

a. Analyze the system reliability, assuming only one machine at each stage. 

b. How much is the reliability improved by having two machines at each stage?

Transcribed Image Text:

Machine A B C Reliability 0.80 0.90 0.98