Identification of reliability models for non repairable and repairable systems with small samples

The aim of this article is the identification of reliability parameters on the basis of small samples. First, we have evaluated the errors affecting reliability models and parameters (e.g. mean up time) of non repairable systems. Second, we have studied repairable systems and browsed in the broad line reliability theory characterizing these systems. The different models detailed in this article are the homogeneous Poisson process, non-homogeneous Poisson process and the generalized renewal process (GRP), this one is a function of a parameter q called ‘degree of repair’ that characterizes efficiency of maintenance operations. To conclude the usefulness of these models in an industrial context, we present a statistical analysis of data generated by Monte Carlo simulations. This study points out the difficulty in determining an accurate model on the basis of a small sample.