Stochastic modelling and analysis of degradation for highly reliable products

Abstract

Degradation models have become an important analytic tool for complex systems. During the last two decades, a number of degradation models have been developed to capture the degradation dynamics of a system and aid the subsequent decision-makings. This paper is aimed at providing a summary of the state of the arts in the field, and discussing some further research issues from both analytical and practical point of view. In this paper, degradation models are classified into three classes, that is, stochastic process models, general path models, and other models beyond these two classes. A review on the three classes is given with emphasis on the class of stochastic process models. A comprehensive comparison between stochastic process models and general path models is given to expound the pros and cons of these two methods. Applications of degradation models in degradation test planning and burn-in modelling will also be discussed.

A cost effective degradation-based maintenance strategy under imperfect repair

“…A variety of degradation models exist in the literature including Wiener process models [11], Gamma process [12], inverse Gaussian process [13], general path models [14] and random coefficient models [15]. A comprehensive review of degradation models is given by Ye and Xie [16].…”

Parameter estimation for load‐sharing system subject to Wiener degradation process using the expectation‐maximization algorithm

“…Except for Wiener process, gamma process and inverse Gaussian degradation process can also be implemented in the degradation model. For more details of stochastic models characterizing degradation, readers can refer to the studies of Ye and Xie and Zhai and Ye …”

A novel pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimation method for accelerated degradation tests under Wiener process

“…Based on the physical property of degradation process and the statistical feature of degradation data, an appropriate degradation model is needed to describe the underlying degradation procedure in a best possible way. Currently, two major kinds of degradation models are commonly considered, ie, degradation path‐dependent approaches and stochastic process models . In particular, degradation path models are usually regression‐based and a common degradation form is assumed for a population of products.…”