Bayesian analysis of hybrid life tests with exponential failure times

Summary A hybrid life test procedure is discussed from the Bayesian viewpoint. A total ofn items is placed on test, failed items are either not replaced or are replaced, and the test is terminated either when a pre-chosen number,K, of items have failed, or when a pre-determined time on test has been reached. Posterior and predictive distributions are obtained under the assumption of an exponential failure distribution, and point and interval estimates are given for the mean life and the life of an untested item. The results are applied to a numerical example.