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Weibull Distribution

The Weibull distribution can be used to model many different failure distributions. Given a shape parameter (β) and characteristic life (η) the reliability can be determined at a specific point in time (t). The two-parameter Weibull distribution probability density function, reliability function and hazard rate are given by:
Weibull Distribution PDF Equation Probability Density Function
Weibull Distribution Reliability Function Reliability Function
Weibull Distribution Hazard Rate Hazard Rate

The characteristic life (η) is the point where 63.2% percent of the population will have failed, regardless of the shape parameter (β). The following shape parameter characteristics are noted:

β = 1.0 : Exponential distribution, constant failure rate
β = 3.5 : Normal distribution (approximation)
β < 1.0 : Decreasing failure (hazard) rate
β > 1.0 : Increasing failure (hazard) rate

Calculation Inputs:

1. Shape parameter (β):
2. Characteristic life (η):
3. Time period of interest (t):
4. Units associated with inputs #2 and #3 above:
5. Decimal places:
6. Options:

Calculate mean life
Table
f(t) chart
R(t) chart
F(t) chart
h(t) chart

Title:



Featured Reference:

Basic Reliability: An introduction to Reliability Engineering
Basic Reliability: An introduction to Reliability Engineering


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References:

  1. MIL-HDBK-338, Electronic Reliability Design Handbook.
  2. Bazovsky, Igor, Reliability Theory and Practice.
  3. O'Connor, Patrick, D. T., Practical Reliability Engineering.
  4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weibull_distribution
  5. Weibull Distribution, NIST Engineering Statistics Handbook .