Statistical analysis and simulation methods related to load-sharing models.

Abstract: We consider the problem of estimating the reliability of bundles constructed of several fibres, given a particular kind of censored data. The bundles consist of several fibres which have their own independent identically dis-tributed failure stresses (i.e.the forces that destroy the fibres). The force applied to a bundle is distributed between the fibres in the bundle, accord-ing to a load-sharing model. A bundle with these properties is an example of a load-sharing system. Ropes constructed of twisted threads, compos-ite materials constructed of parallel carbon fibres, and suspension cables constructed of steel wires are all examples of load-sharing systems. In par-ticular, we consider bundles where load-sharing is described by either the Equal load-sharing model or the more general Local load-sharing model.In order to estimate the cumulative distribution function of failure stresses of bundles, we need some observed data. This data is obtained either by testing bundles or by testing individual fibres. In this thesis, we develop several theoretical testing methods for both fibres and bundles, and related methods of statistical inference.Non-parametric and parametric estimators of the cumulative distribu-tion functions of failure stresses of fibres and bundles are obtained from different kinds of observed data. It is proved that most of these estimators are consistent, and that some are strongly consistent estimators. We show that resampling, in this case random sampling with replacement from sta-tistically independent portions of data, can be used to assess the accuracy of these estimators. Several numerical examples illustrate the behavior of the obtained estimators. These examples suggest that the obtained estimators usually perform well when the number of observations is moderate.