Optimum failure-censored step-stress partially accelerated life test for the truncated logistic life distribution

This paper presents an optimum design of step-stress partially accelerated life test (PALT) plan which allows the test condition to be changed from use to accelerated condition on the occurrence of fixed number of failures. Various life distribution models such as exponential, Weibull, log-logistic, Burr type-Xii, etc have been used in the literature to analyze the PALT data. The need of different life distribution models is necessitated as in the presence of a limited source of data as typically occurs with modern devices having high reliability, the use of correct life distribution model helps in preventing the choice of unnecessary and expensive planned replacements. Truncated distributions arise when sample selection is not possible in some sub-region of sample space. In this paper it is assumed that the lifetimes of the items follow Truncated Logistic distribution truncated at point zero since time to failure of an item cannot be negative. Optimum step-stress PALT plan that finds the optimal proportion of units failed at normal use condition is determined by using the D-optimality criterion. The method developed has been explained using a numerical example. Sensitivity analysis and comparative study have also been carried out.