The design of reliability data bases, part I: review of standard design concepts

Main styles in the design of reliability data banks (RDBʹs) are reviewed. The conceptual and mathematical tools underlying these designs are summarized. A key point is the method for assessing failure rates for competing failure modes. The theory of independent competing risk and the relation to colored Poisson processes is explained. The notions of observed and naked failure rates are defined, and their equivalence under the assumption of independence is shown. In conclusion, the needs of different users are compared with the information currently offered.