ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we introduce the most popular distributions used in reliability and risk analysis-binomial, Poisson, exponential, gamma, normal, lognormal, and Weibull. Each of these distributions is related to some simple physical model and illustrated by a case study. Then, the classes of time-tofailure distributions are introduced in a similar way. In order to evaluate the aging/ rejuvenating of components (nonrepairable systems), the Ginitype index is introduced as a measure showing how different a given aging/ rejuvenating distribution is from the exponential one. In the last part of the chapter, reliability models with explanatory variables-accelerated life model and proportional hazards model (with constant and time-dependent variables)—are discussed, as well as the mixture model and competing risks model. The terms nonrepairable object and component are used as synonyms.
