ABSTRACT
Unlike the exponential distribution, the failure rate of equipment frequently exhibits three stages: a break-in stage with a declining failure rate, a useful life stage characterized by a fairly constant failure rate, and a wear out period characterized by an increasing failure rate. Many industrial parts and components follow this path. A failure rate curve exhibiting these three phases (see Figure 17.1) is called a bathtub curve. Bathtub curve. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429124754/be33da89-95f5-45e7-a067-f2fa13b8eb97/content/fig17_1.tif"/>
