Estimating the System Reliability Lower Confidence Limit from Data Derived from System and Subsystem Test Results

摘要

Presently a problem exists in being able to present a confidence level on missile weapon reliability. This paper suggests a method for solving the problem. This method provides the means for estimating the system reliability lower confidence limit with specified confidence level from reliability phase scoring data derived from system and subsystem test results; and yields a quick and good approximation to a more rigorous and lengthy analysis. The method does not require any assumptions concerning the form of the reliability phase distributions nor their test sample size. This paper formulates and demonstrates the suggested method and then compares it with several others. The method is then applied to a realistic missile weapon system in its development life cycle phase. A comprehensive explanation of the testing philosophy and reliability phase scoring criteria and methodology is given. (Author)