Weibull Analysis

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Weibull Analysis
Background: The resulting analysis provides estimates for the Weibull shape parameter, , and characteristic life, . The reliability and hazard rate can be determined estimated at a specific point in time (x) using the derived and . Using these parameters, the Weibull distribution can then be used to model many different failure distributions. The two-parameter Weibull distribution probability density function, reliability function and hazard rate are given by:

Probability Density Function

Reliability Function

Hazard Rate

A three-parameter Weibull Distribution also includes a location parameter, sometimes termed failure free life. For these cases, t in the above above equations is replaced by t-. The characteristic life, , is the point where 63.2% percent of the population will have failed. This is true regardless of the shape parameter () chosen. The following shape parameter characteristics are noted: = 1.0 : Exponential distribution, constant failure rate = 3.5 : Normal distribution (approximation) < 1.0 : Decreasing failure (hazard) rate > 1.0 : Increasing failure (hazard) rate Median ranks are calculated using the following equation.

Median Rank Equation

where: j is the failure order n is the sample size Data that contains non-failed items is termed "censored," or "suspended" test data. For this type of data adjusted ranking, or ordered points, are calculated and used to calculate F(t), the cumulative fraction failed. This modified order is then used for j in the above median rank equation. The column labled Increment in the table is calculated using the following equation.

Increment Equation

where:

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Weibull Analysis Ij is the increment for point j. n is the total number of records, both failures and censored items. Op is the order of the previous point, or record. c is the number if remaining points, including the current point.

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The order of each point, Oj, is the order of the previous point, Op, plus Ij calculated according to the above equation. These calculations are shown for each point in the table columns labeled Increment and Order in the calculation results. The calculation inputs are show units of "hours," but any life metric (cycles, years, miles, etc.) can be used as long as there is consistency among the inputs.

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References: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Nelson, Wayne, Applied Life Data Analysis (Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics) Dodson, Bryan, Weibull Analysis Dodson, Bryan, The Weibull Analysis Handbook Abernethy, Robert, The New Weibull Handbook Fifth Edition, Reliability and Statistical Analysis for Predicting Life, Safety, Supportability, Risk, Cost and Warranty Claims Bazovsky, Igor, Reliability Theory and Practice. O'Connor, Patrick, D. T., Practical Reliability Engineering. Birolini, Alessandro, Reliability Engineering: Theory and Practice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weibull_distribution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_likelihood Weibull Distribution, NIST Engineering Statistics Handbook . Khan Academy, Probability density functions for continuous random variables.. Barringer, Paul, Typical beta () values: http://www.barringer1.com/wdbase.htm. http://www.weibull.com/LifeDataWeb/published_examples_using_the_weibull_distribution.htm Kececioglu, Dimitri, Reliability & Life Testing Handbook, Vol 1 .

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