One-shot device test data analysis using non-parametric and semi-parametric inferential methods and applications

A one-shot device, such as an automobile airbag, electro-explosive unit or munition, is a product that can be used only once. Its actual lifetime is unobservable, rendering the corresponding reliability analysis quite challenging. In this paper, two non-parametric methodologies—maximum likelihood estimation via EM-algorithm and Nelson–Aalen based estimation are developed for identical testing environment on one-shot devices. The EM-algorithm is …