The purpose of this book is to provide practitioners with the tools necessary to utilize the Weibull distribution for modeling, analysis and problem solving. The book includes both basic and advanced concepts. The underlying theme of keeping the presentations simple was followed throughout the book. Thus, very little mathematical theory is presented. Step by step examples are used to illustrate each technique presented. Practitioners will find easy to follow roadmaps guiding them through every step of an analysis. Since most practitioners are more interested in results rather than how to perform calculations, the majority of roadmaps have been incorporated into a computer program contained on an accompanying disk (Windows 95 or later). In most cases, Microsoft Excel solutions to the examples are also included on an accompanying disk.
This second edition includes more explanation on the benefits and weaknesses of the competing methods for parameter estimation, and tips for which method to use in a given situation. A chapter has been added to address data sets with few or no failures. This chapter also includes a discussion of test design and an algorithm for financially optimizing durability tests.
This book has been written in a manner to accommodate both the novice and the experienced engineer or statistician. The novice can apply the techniques presented by reading the assumptions and application requirements, while the veteran can gain more understanding by reading the mathematical details of the technique.
