Multiple Objective Optimization in Reliability Demonstration Tests

Abstract

Reliability demonstration tests are usually performed in product design or validation processes to demonstrate whether a product meets specified requirements on reliability. For binomial demonstration tests, the zero-failure test has been most commonly used due to its simplicity and use of minimum sample size to achieve an acceptable consumer's risk level. However, this test can often result in unacceptably high risk for producers as well as a low probability of passing the test even when the product has good reliability. This paper explicitly explores the interrelationship between multiple objectives that are commonly of interest when planning a demonstration test and proposes structured decision-making procedures using a Pareto front approach for selecting an optimal test plan based on simultaneously balancing multiple criteria. Different strategies are suggested for scenarios with different user priorities and graphical tools are developed to help quantify the trade-offs between choices and to facilitate informed decision making. Potential impacts of some subjective user inputs on the final decision are studied to offer insights and useful guidance for general applications.

• Bayesian Analysis
• Consumer's Risk
• Decision Making
• Pareto Front
• Producer's Risk
• TradeOffs

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lu Lu

Dr. Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Her email is [email protected].

Mingyang Li

Dr. Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. His email is [email protected].

Christine M. Anderson-Cook

Dr. Anderson-Cook is a Research Scientist in the Statistical Sciences Group. She is a Fellow of ASQ and the American Statistical Association. Her email is [email protected].