Reliability evaluation and prediction with special reference to life testing

Abstract

This thesis is in three major parts. In Part I the mathematics of the Weibull distribution are extensively explained and the validity of the Weibull model is demonstrated; of particular interest is the possibility of carrying out truncated tests with or without suspensions with a high degree of confidence. In Part II, the investigation to prove such validity is part of the original experimental work carried out by the author and is an important contribution to, and confirmation of, the knowledge of the subject treated. Of particular interest is the demonstration of the sensitivity and discriminating powers of the Weibull analysis in revealing two or more failures distributions. Results are given and discussed. In Part III the author deals with the extremely interesting topic of Reliability Prediction and explains in detail the original Computer Programme he has perfected to predict accurately and almost immediately characteristic life, mean life,reliability, failure rate, etc., by analysing but a few data. Such speed and accuracy are a major contribution to the advancement of knowledge on this subject, and are vitally important to all manufacturers and buyers interested in reliability.