Optimal allocations for load-sharing k-out-of-n:F systems

We develop an optimal load allocation for load-sharing k-out-of-n:F systems with piecewise linear degradation models. The components are assumed non-repairable, and they are removed from the system as soon as they fail. It is shown that the lifetime of a system is maximized by allocating the load on a system to its components according to component residual lifetimes. The same allocation can be applied to the systems in which the lifetime distributions of components are known and also in which the lifetime distributions belong to a scale family, by assuming an accelerated lifetime model and the cumulative damage rule.