ESTIMATION IN CONSTANT STRESS PARTIALLY ACCELERATED LIFE TESTS FOR RAYLEIGH DISTRIBUTION USING TYPE-I CENSORING

Abstract

Partially Accelerated life tests are used when the data obtained from Accelerated life tests cannot be extrapolated to use conditions. This study deals with simple Constant Stress Partially Accelerated life tests using type-I censoring. The lifetime distribution of the test item is assumed to follow Rayleigh distribution. The maximum likelihood estimates are obtained for the distribution parameter and acceleration factor. In addition, asymptotic variance and covariance matrix of the estimators are given. Interval estimation that generates narrow intervals to the parameters of the distribution with high probability is obtained. Simulation procedure is used to illustrate the statistical properties of the parameters and the confidence bounds.