An extended stochastic failure model for a system subject to random shocks

Abstract

In this article, a stochastic failure model for a system subject to a random shock process is studied. It is assumed that a fatal shock results in an immediate system failure, whereas a non-fatal shock may increase the susceptibility of the system to failure. The lifetime distribution of the system and its failure rate function are derived, and the effect of environmental factors on the failure process of the system is also investigated. Lifetimes of systems operated under different environmental conditions are stochastically compared. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.