Planning Step-Stress Life Tests for the Generalized Rayleigh Distribution Under Progressive Type-II Censoring with Binomial Removals

In this article both the parameter estimation and optimal design problems of step-stress partially accelerated life test units whose lifetimes follow the generalized Rayleigh distribution are considered under progressive type-II censoring scheme with binomial removals. The maximum likelihood estimators of the scale and shape parameters as well as the acceleration factor are obtained. The concert of the estimators is assessed. In addition, approximate confidence intervals of the model parameters are constructed and their coverage probabilities are computed. Moreover, optimum test plans are also developed to improve/guarantee the quality of the statistical inference. Finally, simulation studies and a numerical example are provided for illustrative purposes.