Statistical inference for the step-stress model with competing risks from the Kumaraswamy distribution under progressive type-II censoring

Abstract

In reliability and life analysis, the accelerated life test is frequently used because it can reduce cost and obtain additional reliability and lifetime information. In addition, when a unit fails in a life test, there are often two or more risk factors related to the cause of the failure. In this article, we consider the inference from a step-stress-accelerated life test with competing risks using progressive type-II censored data. Based on the assumption that the parameters affected by stress follow a log-linear model with the stress level, the proportional hazard model with the Kumaraswamy distribution is established. The point estimation of the unknown parameters is derived using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Accordingly, the logarithmic asymptotic confidence and the highest posterior density credible intervals are derived and constructed. Moreover, the algorithm for multi-parameter sampling and simulation technology based on this model is given. Simulation results show that the proposed methods have good performance. In light of the estimates of the parameters, the estimated reliability function under normal conditions can be expressed, and its images under different methods are drawn. Last, a real dataset and a set of simulated data are presented for illustrative purposes.