Multi-Censored Sampling in the Three Parameter Weibull Distribution

Abstract

Abstract In life and fatique testing, multi-censored samples arise when at various stages of a test, some of the survivors are withdrawn from further observation. Sample specimens which remain after each stage of censoring continue to be observed until failure or until a subsequent stage of censoring. In this paper, maximum likelihood estimators and estimators which utilize the first order statistic are derived for the three parameter Weibull distribution. Estimators are also derived for the special case in which the shape parameter is known, a special case which includes the two parameter exponential distribution. An illustrative example is included. KEY WORDS: Weibull DistributionMulti-Censored SamplesProgressively Censored SamplesLife Testing