ascended ideas

This text provides an elementary introduction to the probabilistic models and statistical methods used by reliability engineers that are applied to a system of components. Probability models include the exponential distribution, Weibull distribution, competing risks, mixtures, accelerated life model, proportional hazards model, and repairable systems models. Statistical methods emphasize determining point and interval estimates for parameters from censored data sets. Applications are drawn from a variety of disciplines. Over 600 exercises make this text appropriate for a class on reliability.