Estimating Load-Sharing Properties in a Dynamic Reliability System.
An estimator for the load share parameters in an equal load-share model is derived based on observing k-component parallel systems of identical components that have a continuous distribution function F (.) and failure rate r(.). In an equal load share model, after the first of k components fails, failure rates for the remaining components change from r(t) to gamma(1)r(t), then to gamma(2)r(t) after the next failure, and so on. On the basis of observations on n independent and identical systems, a semiparametric estimator of the component baseline cumulative hazard function R = - log(1 - F) is presented, and its asymptotic limit process is established to be a Gaussian process. The effect of estimation of the load-share parameters is considered in the derivation of the limiting process. Potential applications can be found in diverse areas, including materials testing, software reliability and power plant safety assessment.
Kvam
Paul H
PH
Peña
Edsel A
EA