Unrestricted.2016-11-142011-02-182016-11-141970-05http://hdl.handle.net/2346/19892The type of decision problem to be considered in this dissertation can best be illustrated by an example. Consider the development program for a particular solid propellant- rocket engine which must "burn" for a specified time. In this program, certain points exist at which progress is monitored. For instance, the Pre-Plight Rating Test program would be one such point at the culmination of the initial R&D program, demonstrating the ability of a sample of engines to perform for a specified length of time. After this phase a new phase is entered in which flight and static tests are performed, and if needed, a more refined system configuration is developed. Finally, design is frozen, and a Qualification Test program is undertaken to demonstrate the suitability of the engine system. During this period in the program, several groups of engines are test-fired, and due to stringent reliability requirements, a large sample of engines is required.application/pdfengStatistical decisionMathematical statisticsBayesian statistical decision theoryReliabilityDissertation