Analysis of Reliability Experiments with Random Blocks and Subsampling

Abstract

Reliability experiments provide important information regarding the life of an item, including how various factors affect item life. Current analyses of reliability data usually assume a completely randomized design. However, reliability experiments are frequently executed with restrictions on randomization. Common restrictions on randomization include subsampling and blocking. This paper proposes a nonlinear mixed-model analysis for reliability experiments with random blocks and subsampling. A simulation study compares this nonlinear mixed model analysis with a two-stage analysis and traditional reliability analyses.