Comparison of parametric and nonparametric estimations of lifetime distributions from incomplete warranty data

摘要

In this paper several nonparametric and parametric methods in order to estimate the parameters of lifetime distributions from incomplete warranty data were analyzed using the three parameter Weibull distribution. Using multiple data structures or rather different data qualities for the analysis has shown the advantages and disadvantages of certain methods. Depending on which method was applied, the results of the estimated parameters for the three parameter Weibull distribution for incomplete data compared to the estimation for complete data can vary immense. Some examples will show which methods should be applied when having consistent data over the lifetime of a product or unsteady data after or even during the warranty period.