Inference for the scale parameter of lifetime distribution of k-unit parallel system based on progressively censored data

Abstract

In this paper, inference for the scale parameter of lifetime distribution of a k-unit parallel system is provided. Lifetime distribution of each unit of the system is assumed to be a member of a scale family of distributions. Maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and confidence intervals for the scale parameter based on progressively Type-II censored sample are obtained. A β-expectation tolerance interval for the lifetime of the system is obtained. As a member of the scale family, half-logistic distribution is considered and the performance of the MLE, confidence intervals and tolerance intervals are studied using simulation.

Keywords:

• progressively Type-II censoring
• EM algorithm
• MLE
• confidence interval
• coverage probability
• β
• -expectation tolerance interval
• half-logistic distribution

Mathematics Subject Classifications::

• 62N02
• 62F10
• 62F25

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the editor and the expert referee for making constructive and valuable comments that have significantly improved the contents of this article. The first author thanks the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, for providing Fellowship under Faculty Improvement Programme to carry out this research.