Graphical techniques for analyzing failure data with the percentile residual-life function

Graphical data-analysis techniques for studying the empirical behavior of the hazard (failure) rate, based on a relationship between the maximum and minimum of the α-percentile residual life function to the minimum and maximum, respectively, of the hazard rate, are presented. Knowledge of these critical points is useful in controlling the system percentile life through burn-in. The graphical techniques are illustrated with a previously published data-set consisting of the empirical hazard rate of aircraft-engine components