Nuclear EMP: tables of confidence bounds for failure probabilities
The characteristics of a population cannot be determined precisely from the characteristics of a random sample taken from that population; therefore, sample characteristics can lead only to bounds for the population characteristics. The probability that these bounds are valid is called confidence. This report discusses the problems of determining population failure level bounds from sample failure levels and how confidence is influenced by sample size. Two sets of failure probability confidence bounds are tabulated. One set is derived for normally distributed populations and is based on the noncentral t distribution. The other set is derived nonparametrically--that is, without assuming the population distribution--and is based on the binomial distribution. These tables convert sample failure levels into population failure probability bounds. The tables are designed to be easily used and, consequently, are not set in the most compact format. In addition to presenting the tables, the report describes the basic statistical concepts, develops the mathematics on which the tables are based, and graphically compares the two methods. An example problem is given to illustrate the use of the tables. 12 figures, 32 tables.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 7352313
- Report Number(s):
- PEM-51
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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