Bayesian semi-parametric analysis for locomotive wheel degradation using gamma frailties

A reliability study based on a Bayesian semi-parametric framework is performed in order to explore the impact of the position of a locomotive wheel on its service lifetime and to predict its other reliability characteristics. A piecewise constant hazard regression model is used to analyse the lifetime of locomotive wheels using degradation data and taking into account the bogie on which the wheel is located. Gamma frailties are included in this study to explore unobserved covariates within the same group. The goal is to flexibly determine reliability for the wheel. A case study is performed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and the following conclusions are drawn. First, a polynomial degradation path is a better choice for the studied locomotive wheels; second, under given operational conditions, the position of the locomotive wheel, i.e. on which bogie it is mounted, can influence its reliability; third, a piecewise constant hazard regression model can be used to undertake reliability studies; fourth, considering gamma frailties is useful for exploring the influence of unobserved covariates; and fifth, the wheels have a higher failure risk after running a threshold distance, a finding which could be applied in optimisation of maintenance activities.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1177/0954409713508759
• Record URL:
  • http://pif.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/229/3/237
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09544097
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Ltd.
• Authors:
  • Lin, Jing
  • Asplund, Matthias
• Publication Date: 2015-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 237-247
• Serial:
  • Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
  • Volume: 229
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Sage Publications Limited
  • ISSN: 0954-4097
  • EISSN: 2041-3017
  • Serial URL: http://pif.sagepub.com/content/current

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bayes' theorem; Degradation failures; Gamma distributions; Locomotives; Markov chains; Monte Carlo method; Parametric analysis; Railroad wheels; Reliability
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01556417
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 5 2015 5:48PM