Optimum Generalized Compound Linear Plan for Multiple-Step Step-Stress Accelerated Life Tests

Abstract. In this paper, we consider an M−step(M ⩾ 3) i.e., multiple step-stress accelerated life testing (ALT) experiment with unequal duration of time τi(τ1 < τ2 < · · · < τm−1). It is assumed that the time to failure of a product follows Rayleigh distribution with a log-linear relationship between stress and lifetime and also we assume a generalized Khamis-Higgins model for the effect of changing stress levels. Taking into account that the problem of choosing the optimal time for 3-step step-stress tests under compound linear plan was initially attempted by [17]. We ever first have developed a generalized compound linear plan for multiple-step step-stress setting using variance-optimality criteria. Some numerical examples are discussed to illustrate the proposed procedures.