On the Use of Semi-folding in Regular Blocked Two-level Factorial Designs

Abstract

In this article, we consider experimental situations where a blocked regular two-level fractional factorial initial design is used. We investigate the use of the semi-fold technique as a follow-up strategy for de-aliasing effects that are confounded in the initial design as well as an alternative method for constructing blocked fractional factorial designs. A construction method is suggested based on the full foldover technique and sufficient conditions are obtained when the semi-fold yields as many estimable effects as the full foldover.

Keywords:

• Foldover design
• Minimum aberration
• Maximal rank-minimum aberration
• Word pattern

Mathematics Subject Classification:

• Primary 62K15; Secondary 62K05

Notes

Basic factors: 1, 2, 3, 4; added factors: 5 = 123, 6 = 124; and blocking factors: b₁ = 134 and b₂ = 234.

Basic factors: 1, 2, 3, 4; added factors: 5 = 123, 6 = 124, and 7 = 134; and blocking factors: b₁ = 12 and b₂ = 13.