Four-Parameter Weibull Distribution with Lower and Upper Limits Applicable in Reliability Studies and Materials Testing

Abstract

A simply curved Weibull plot means that the studied data set has a three-parameter Weibull distribution with a non-zero location parameter representing the lower or the upper limit of the data set. This paper introduces a four-parameter Weibull distribution with both of these limits that can be applied in both reliability and materials engineering. A very reliable indicator of this distribution is the double-curved Weibull plot. The great advantage of this distribution is the fact that the corresponding hazard rate curve can be bathtub-shaped with a great ability to fit the measured data.

Keywords

• Weibull distribution
• curved Weibull plot
• reliability
• lifetime
• time to breakdown
• bathtub-shaped hazard rate