Optimum step‐stress accelerated life test plans for log‐location‐scale distributions

This article presents new tools and methods for finding optimum step‐stress accelerated life test plans. First, we present an approach to calculate the large‐sample approximate variance of the maximum likelihood estimator of a quantile of the failure time distribution at use conditions from a step‐stress accelerated life test. The approach allows for multistep stress changes and censoring for general log‐location‐scale distributions based on a cumulative exposure model. As an application of this approach, the optimum variance is studied as a function of shape parameter for both Weibull and lognormal distributions. Graphical comparisons among test plans using step‐up, step‐down, and constant‐stress patterns are also presented. The results show that depending on the values of the model parameters and quantile of interest, each of the three test plans can be preferable in terms of optimum variance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008     

Testing guaranteed exponentiality

Among distributions that are used in survival analysis, of interest to us here is the Guaranteed exponential (for details about the distribution, see Gross and Clark 7). In this article, we present a new approach to testing guaranteed exponentiality. Using engineering data on the number of load cycles until a crack appears in the titanium and steel sheet in aircraft, medical data on the number of weeks tumor patients survived, data on modulus of rupture, a measurement on the breaking strength of lumber, and original I.Q. data on 112 children attending kindergarten classes in San Jose and San Mateo Counties, CA, we illustrate our method. The first two data sets are known to follow exponential distribution, while the last data set is known to follow normal distribution. Our method confirms these and nonexponentiality for the third data set. A discussion on the merits and disadvantages of our approach is included. Based on simulation, a comparison is made between the power of our test and EDF test statistic A². Our test has excellent power for many nonexponential alternatives.     

精度鉴定与试验决策系统

本文综合运用序贯分析方法和Ｂａｙｅｓ方法,提出用序贯Ｂａｙｅｓ决策进行战略导弹的精度鉴定和试验设计,序贯Ｂａｙｅｓ决策中的损失函数不仅考虑了决策损失,还考虑了试验费用,这样即可将鉴定方法与试验方法结合起来考虑,给出最佳鉴定方案及试验次数。     

基于EPA标准的HVP型阀门定位器开发

我国拥有自主知识产权的工业以态网总线标准EPA在推广应用中面临缺乏足够现场设备支持的困境.针对现状,在现有HVP型智能阀门定位器的基础上,采用双CPU方案,开发符合EPA通信协议要求的智能阀门定位器.给出了EPA阀门定位器开发的总体方案、硬件设计和软件设计,开发的阀门定位器通过EPA一致性、互可操作性测试以及产品全功能...     

Replacing continuous demand with discrete demand in a competitive location model

Location models commonly represent demand as discrete points rather than as continuously spread over an area. This modeling technique introduces inaccuracies to the objective function and consequently to the optimal location solution. In this article this inaccuracy is investigated by the study of a particular competitive facility location problem. First, the location problem is formulated over a continuous demand area. The optimal location for a new facility that optimizes the objective function is obtained. This optimal location solution is then compared with the optimal location obtained for a discrete set of demand points. Second, a simple approximation approach to the continuous demand formulation is proposed. The location problem can be solved by using the discrete demand algorithm while significantly reducing the inaccuracies. This way the simplicity of the discrete approach is combined with the approximated accuracy of the continuous-demand location solution. Extensive analysis and computations of the test problem are reported. It is recommended that this approximation approach be considered for implementation in other location models. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Technical and proliferation‐related aspects of the dismantlement of Russian Alfa‐Class nuclear submarines

When does a state become a “nuclear weapon state”? How we choose to answer this question has significant implications for proliferation assessment, analysis, and policy. Traditionally, the standard demarcation line has been a state's first nuclear test, but in recent years analysts have increasingly focused instead on the accumulation of a significant quantity (SQ) of fissile material. The article argues that although the test/no-test indicator clearly has problems, its replacement by the SQ/no-SQ indicator would be highly counterproductive. The article instead proposes supplementing the traditional test/no-test indicator with a theory-driven approach that focuses on the incentives and disincentives to test.     

Rethinking strategic culture: A computational (social science) discursive-institutionalist approach

ABSTRACT

The strategic culture approach has been suffering from a prolonged theoretical stalemate, despite a surge in case studies, which culminated in the Johnston-Gray debate and subsequent schism. The present paper outlines a new approach designed to overcome this deadlock, and consists of three arguments. First, the three previous generations of strategic culture studies have failed to explain how strategic culture influences behaviour. Second, aligning strategic culture theory-building with discursive institutionalism offers a way to overcome this fundamental fallacy. Third, a research programme for strategic culture should draw on computational social science to enable it to present and test middle-range theories.     

An interactive approach to multiple criteria optimization with multiple decision-makers

In this article we propose a formal man-machine interactive approach to multiple criteria optimization with multiple decision makers. The approach is based on some of our earlier research findings in multiple criteria decision making. A discrete decision space is assumed. The same framework may readily be used for multiple criteria mathematical programming problems. To test the approach two experiments were conducted using undergraduate Business School students as subjects in Finland and in the United States. The context was, respectively, a high-level Finnish labor-management problem and the management-union collective bargaining game developed at the Krannert Graduate School of Management, Purdue University. The results of the experiments indicate that our approach is a potentially useful decision aid for group decision-making and bargaining problems.     

Does Geopolitical Risks Predict Stock Returns and Volatility of Leading Defense Companies? Evidence from a Nonparametric Approach

Abstract

We use the k-th-order nonparametric causality test at monthly frequency over the period of 1985:1 to 2016:06 to analyze whether geopolitical risks can predict movements in stock returns and volatility of 24 global defense firms. The nonparametric approach controls for the existing misspecification of a linear framework of causality, and hence, the mild evidence of causality obtained under the standard Granger tests cannot be relied upon. When we apply the nonparametric test, we find that there is no evidence of predictability of stock returns of these defense companies emanating from the geopolitical risk measure. However, the geopolitical risk index does predict realized volatility in 50% of the companies. Our results indicate that while global geopolitical events over a period of time is less likely to predict returns, such global risks are more inclined in affecting future risk profile of defense firms.     

Minimum cost component test plans for evaluating reliability of a highly reliable parallel system

One approach to evaluating system reliability is the use of system based component test plans. Such plans have numerous advantages over complete system level tests, primarily in terms of time and cost savings. This paper considers one of the two basic building blocks of many complex systems, namely a system of n parallel components, and develops minimum cost component test plans for evaluating the reliability of such a system when the component reliabilities are known to be high. Two different decision rules are considered and the corresponding optimization problems are formulated and solved using techniques from mathematical programming. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 44 : 401–418, 1997     

Japan and Extended Nuclear Deterrence: Security and Non-proliferation

ABSTRACT

To an observer, Japan’s approach to nuclear weapons can appear confused and contradictory. The only country to have been attacked with nuclear weapons is variously described as a pacifist and non-nuclear nation and as a proliferation threat. These widely varied and conflicting conclusions are understandable given that conflicting messages are sent by senior figures. However Japan’s stance is in fact a coherent, if not uncomplicated, response both to its security needs and to domestic public opinion. However, the security provided by US extended nuclear deterrence underlines and enables this approach. The key policies and decisions were taken in both Washington and Tokyo between China’s first nuclear test (1964) and Japan’s ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1976). How the United States came to offer this additional security guarantee to Japan and how Japan came to rely upon it underscore this complex stance and are crucial to understanding a longstanding and ongoing security arrangement and source of stability and security in northeast Asia.     

Design of accelerated life testing plans under multiple stresses

Accelerated life testing (ALT) using multiple stresses is commonly used in practice to resemble the operating stresses at normal operating conditions and obtain failure observations in a much shorter time. However, to date, there is little research into the theory of planning ALT for reliability estimation with multiple stresses. ALT with multiple stresses can result in a large number of stress‐level combinations which presents a challenge for implementation. In this article, we propose an approach for the design of ALT plans with multiple stresses and formulate multistress test plans based on different objectives and practical constraints. We develop a simulated annealing algorithm to efficiently determine the testing plan parameters. We demonstrate the proposed method with examples based on an actual test conducted using three stress types. The obtained optimal test plans are compared with those based on fractional factorial design. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 60: 468–478, 2013     

Adaptive subspace detection based on two-step dimension reduction in the underwater waveguide

In the underwater waveguide, the conventional adaptive subspace detector (ASD), derived by using the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) theory, suffers from a significant degradation in detection per-formance when the samplings of training data are deficient. This paper proposes a dimension-reduced approach to alleviate this problem. The dimension reduction includes two steps: firstly, the full array is divided into several subarrays; secondly, the test data and the training data at each subarray are transformed into the modal domain from the hydrophone domain. Then the modal-domain test data and training data at each subarray are processed to formulate the subarray statistic by using the GLRT theory. The final test statistic of the dimension-reduced ASD (DR-ASD) is obtained by summing all the subarray statistics. After the dimension reduction, the unknown parameters can be estimated more accurately so the DR-ASD achieves a better detection performance than the ASD. In order to achieve the optimal detection performance, the processing gain of the DR-ASD is deduced to choose a proper number of subarrays. Simulation experiments verify the improved detection performance of the DR-ASD compared with the ASD.     

Some bayes tests and their asymptotic properties for the multivariate,multisample goodness-of-fit problem

Independent samples are taken from C multivariate populations with continuous but unknown cumulative distribution function c.d.f.). The problem is to test the hypothesis that the C population c.d.f's are identical to a specified c.d.f. We approach this problem by first transforming the data so that the hypothesis being tested is that the common distribution is uniform over a unit hypercube. We then construct some Bayes tests and investigate their asymptotic properties. These tests are based on the asymptotic normality of the number of observations falling in the “asymptotically sufficient groupings”.     

Optimal design of accelerated life testing plans for periodical replacement with penalty

Accelerated life testing (ALT), enhanced by optimal test plans, has been widely accepted in practice as a quick approach for estimating the reliability of a product. From the estimation result, preventive maintenance schedules can be determined to ensure the performance of the product under its normal operating conditions. By default, maintenance decision‐making is regarded as the last and least rewarding step. However, sometimes the maintenance schedules, such as preventive maintenance intervals, are predetermined due to customer concerns and/or by various mandatory regulations and rules. Under such circumstances, how to accurately estimate the expenditure (e.g., on maintenance or spare parts management) associated with these maintenance requirements becomes an important issue. A viable solution is to incorporate the maintenance requirements into ALT plans. This paper provides an approach for the optimal design of ALT plans oriented by a mandatory periodical replacement schedule subject to a discounted penalty. The objective is to improve the estimation accuracy of the economic impact of this maintenance requirement. A numerical experiment is provided to demonstrate the approach in practical use. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009     

C~4ISR系统互操作试验平台构建

C4ISR系统互操作试验是系统试验的重要组成部分,构建互操作试验平台则是满足该类试验的必要手段。美军的互操作试验与鉴定能力(InterTEC)主要由五个子系统组成,其平台的研发则包括螺旋开发三个阶段。通过对InterTEC组成和开发阶段的分析,研究得出互操作试验平台构建以及试验配置使用的理论方法。     

基于Linux/QT的火控系统实时故障诊断方法

针对某数字化火控系统实时故障检测与诊断问题,提出了一种基于对象式框架知识表示的火控系统实时故障诊断方法。该方法采用专家系统与实时进程通信,获取故障征兆,进行实时推理定位故障源。给出了诊断系统的一般架构,介绍故障诊断系统知识表示的形式化描述,实时推理、规则匹配算法和UDP进程通信协议。实际应用证明了这种方法的有效性和可扩展性。     

基于转子固有频率的涡轮泵故障检测方法

为了有效地检测液体火箭发动机涡轮泵的故障,分析了某型液体火箭发动机的28次历史试车数据,得到了涡轮泵转子的一阶、二阶和三阶临界转速以及轴向固有频率的数值,研究了这4个转子固有频率幅值的稳定性及对涡轮泵故障的敏感性,得出了它们具有较强的稳定性和故障敏感性的结论。在此基础上,提出并验证了基于转子固有频率的涡轮泵故障检测方法。结果表明,基于转子的一阶、二阶和三阶临界转速以及轴向固有频率幅值能有效地检测涡轮泵的故障。     

Two‐stage component test plans for testing the reliability of a series system

A system reliability is often evaluated by individual tests of components that constitute the system. These component test plans have advantages over complete system based tests in terms of time and cost. In this paper, we consider the series system with n components, where the lifetime of the i‐th component follows exponential distribution with parameter λ_i. Assuming test costs for the components are different, we develop an efficient algorithm to design a two‐stage component test plan that satisfies the usual probability requirements on the system reliability and in addition minimizes the maximum expected cost. For the case of prior information in the form of upper bounds on λ_i's, we use the genetic algorithm to solve the associated optimization problems which are otherwise difficult to solve using mathematical programming techniques. The two‐stage component test plans are cost effective compared to single‐stage plans developed by Rajgopal and Mazumdar. We demonstrate through several numerical examples that our approach has the potential to reduce the overall testing costs significantly. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 49: 95–116, 2002; DOI 10.1002/nav.1051     

Bayesian testing strategies for software with an operational profile

We consider a software reliability model where the failure rate of each fault depends on the specific operation performed. The software is tested in a given sequence of test cases for fixed durations of time to collect data on failure times. We present a Bayesian analysis of software failure data by treating the initial number of faults as a random variable. Our analysis relies on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and is used for developing optimal testing strategies in an adaptive manner. Two different models involving individual and common faults are analyzed. We illustrate an implementation of our approach by using some simulated failure data. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 48:747–763, 2001