Estimation of Weibull parameter with a modified weight function

The Weibull modulus is widely used for estimating the reliability of ceramic components in engineering applications. An improvement in the evaluation of the Weibull modulus is achieved by using an appropriate weight function to the data points while fitting a straight line to the Weibull plot by the least square method. The conventional weight function is a function of the probability of failure. This paper describes an alternate method of obtaining the weight function based on first principles. This modified weight function is a function of the stress at failure rather than probability of failure. Evaluation of the two-parameter Weibull modulus was estimated on simulated strength distribution data with both the weight functions. A comparative analysis indicates that the modified weight function gives a different result than the conventional weight function. The paper also highlights the effect and importance of uncertainties in the measurement of strength on the calculated Weibull modulus.