Estimation of Stress-Strength model in the Generalized Linear Failure Rate Distribution

In this paper, we study the estimation of $R=P [Y < X ]$, also so-called the stress-strength model, when both $X$ and $Y$ are two independent random variables with the generalized linear failure rate distributions, under different assumptions about their parameters. We address the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of $R$ and the associated asymptotic confidence interval. In addition, we compute the MLE and the corresponding Bootstrap confidence interval when the sample sizes are small. The Bayes estimates of $R$ and the associated credible intervals are also investigated. An extensive computer simulation is implemented to compare the performances of the proposed estimators. Eventually, we briefly study the estimation of this model when the data obtained from both distributions are progressively type-II censored. We present the MLE and the corresponding confidence interval under three different progressive censoring schemes. We also analysis a set of real data for illustrative purpose.Comment: 31 pages, 2 figures, preprin

Bayesian design for life tests and accelerated life tests

This dissertation, consisting of three separate papers, describes Bayesian methods for life test planning and accelerated life test planning with censored data from a log-location-scale distribution, when prior information of the model parameters is available. The first paper studies Bayesian life testing planning with Type II censored data from a Weibull distribution with given shape parameter, where closed form solutions are available. The second paper presents Bayesian methods for life test planning with a general distribution in a log location-scale-family, in which a large sample approximation approach and a simulation approach are developed to evaluate the criterion and provide plan solutions. The third paper describes Bayesian optimum design methods for accelerated life tests with one accelerating variable and a linear acceleration model, where a large sample approximation is used for the test solutions and simulations are used to evaluate the resulting designs. Appropriate Bayes criteria are developed for each of the situations discussed, and numerical examples are used to illustrate the practical use of the Bayesian design methods

Testing hypotheses in the Birnbaum-Saunders distribution under type-II censored samples

The two-parameter Birnbaum-Saunders distribution has been used succesfully to model fatigue failure times. Although censoring is typical in reliability and survival studies, little work has been published on the analysis of censored data for this distribution. In this paper, we address the issue of performing testing inference on the two parameters of the Birnbaum-Saunders distribution under type-II right censored samples. The likelihood ratio statistic and a recently proposed statistic, the gradient statistic, provide a convenient framework for statistical inference in such a case, since they do not require to obtain, estimate or invert an information matrix, which is an advantage in problems involving censored data. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out in order to investigate and compare the finite sample performance of the likelihood ratio and the gradient tests. Our numerical results show evidence that the gradient test should be preferred. Three empirical applications are presented.Comment: Submitted for publicatio

Bayesian Life Test Planning for the Log-Location-Scale Family of Distributions

This paper describes Bayesian methods for life test planning with censored data from a log-location-scale distribution, when prior information of the distribution parameters is available. We use a Bayesian criterion based on the estimation precision of a distribution quantile. A large sample normal approximation gives a simplified, easy-tointerpret, yet valid approach to this planning problem, where in general no closed form solutions are available. To illustrate this approach, we present numerical investigations using the Weibull distribution with Type II censoring. We also assess the effects of prior distribution choice. A simulation approach of the same Bayesian problem is also presented as a tool for visualization and validation. The validation results generally are consistent with those from the large sample approximation approach

Analysis Of Type-II Progressively Hybrid Censored Competing Risks Data

A Type-II progressively hybrid censoring scheme for competing risks data is introduced, where the experiment terminates at a pre-specified time. The likelihood inference of the unknown parameters is derived under the assumptions that the lifetime distributions of the different causes are independent and exponentially distributed. The maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters are obtained in exact forms. Asymptotic confidence intervals and two bootstrap confidence intervals are also proposed. Bayes estimates and credible intervals of the unknown parameters are obtained under the assumption of gamma priors on the unknown parameters. Different methods have been compared using Monte Carlo simulations. One real data set has been analyzed for illustrative purposes

Data Analysis and Experimental Design for Accelerated Life Testing with Heterogeneous Group Effects

abstract: In accelerated life tests (ALTs), complete randomization is hardly achievable because of economic and engineering constraints. Typical experimental protocols such as subsampling or random blocks in ALTs result in a grouped structure, which leads to correlated lifetime observations. In this dissertation, generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) approach is proposed to analyze ALT data and find the optimal ALT design with the consideration of heterogeneous group effects. Two types of ALTs are demonstrated for data analysis. First, constant-stress ALT (CSALT) data with Weibull failure time distribution is modeled by GLMM. The marginal likelihood of observations is approximated by the quadrature rule; and the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation method is applied in iterative fashion to estimate unknown parameters including the variance component of random effect. Secondly, step-stress ALT (SSALT) data with random group effects is analyzed in similar manner but with an assumption of exponentially distributed failure time in each stress step. Two parameter estimation methods, from the frequentist’s and Bayesian points of view, are applied; and they are compared with other traditional models through simulation study and real example of the heterogeneous SSALT data. The proposed random effect model shows superiority in terms of reducing bias and variance in the estimation of life-stress relationship. The GLMM approach is particularly useful for the optimal experimental design of ALT while taking the random group effects into account. In specific, planning ALTs under nested design structure with random test chamber effects are studied. A greedy two-phased approach shows that different test chamber assignments to stress conditions substantially impact on the estimation of unknown parameters. Then, the D-optimal test plan with two test chambers is constructed by applying the quasi-likelihood approach. Lastly, the optimal ALT planning is expanded for the case of multiple sources of random effects so that the crossed design structure is also considered, along with the nested structure.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Industrial Engineering 201