Optimum multi-objective modified step-stress accelerated life test plan for the Burr type-XII distribution

This paper deals with formulation of optimum multi-objective modified step-stress accelerated life test (ALT) plan for Burr type-XII distribution under type-I censoring. Since it is impractical to estimate only one objective parameter after conducting costly ALT tests; also, it is not desirable to assume instantaneous changes in stress levels because of limited capacity of test equipments and the presence of undesirable failure modes, therefore, an optimum multi-objective modified step-stress ALT plan has been designed. The optimal test plan consists in determining the optimum low stress level and optimal time at which stress starts linearly increasing from low stress by minimizing the weighted sum of the asymptotic variances of the maximum likelihood estimator of quantile lifetimes at design constant stress. The method developed has been illustrated using an example. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out. Comparative study has also been done to highlight the merits of the proposed model.