Statistical Inference on the Basis of Sequential Order Statistics under a Linear Trend for Conditional Proportional Hazard Rates

This paper deals with systems consisting of independent and heterogeneous exponential components. Since failures of components may change lifetimes of surviving components because of load sharing, a linear trend for conditionally proportional hazard rates is considered. Estimates of parameters, both point and interval estimates, are derived on the basis of observed component failures for s(≥ 2) systems. Fisher information matrix of the available data is also obtained which can be used for studying asymptotic behaviour of estimates. The generalized likelihood ratio test is implemented for testing homogeneity of s systems. Illustrative examples are also given.