A generalized linear model approach to designing accelerated life test experiments

Optimal experimental design practices are prominent in many applications. This paper proposes an alternate way of computing the information matrix, a key consideration in planning an accelerated life test. The generalized linear model approach allows optimal designs to be computed using iteratively weighted least-square solutions versus a maximum likelihood method. This approach is demonstrated with an assumed exponential distribution and allows the practitioner to observe the underlying structure of the optimal experimental design matrix and its relationship to important factors such as censoring and a nonlinear response function. Optimality criteria are discussed for both parameter estimation and prediction variance at an intended usage condition, which is typically outside the feasible accelerated test region.