The problem discussed is that of comparing the longevities of two or more types of equipment under operational conditions where it is not convenient to identify or keep records of individual items. Such a comparison can be made by adopting certain replacement policies and observing their effect on the composition of the population. Methods of estimating relative and absolute longevities are given for the case where k types of equipment are being compared and various logistical requirements are placed upon the replacement policies. Methods of making decisions and testing hypotheses concerning the relative and absolute longevities are also given. Replacement policies are given which, under certain conditions, are optimum for purposes of studying longevity.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Leo A. Goodman (1953) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: