Reliability Estimation and Failure Prediction of Highway Tractor Components

A method of predicting highway truck/tractor component lives based on warranty data is provided. This method incorporates computer modeling techniques into standard reliability analysis procedures to facilitate Reliability Estimation and Failure Prediction. Specifically, published truck/tractor usage data provided the basis for the computer modeling, and Weibull Distribution Analysis methods were utilized for Reliability Estimation.

General considerations in the development of the computer model, and specific suggestions for the application of the method to vehicle applications other than highway truck/tractors are provided.