Determining B_X Life of a Normal Component Based on Change Point of Failure Rate

This paper deals with the problem of determining the maximum service life (or B_x life) of a component, whose life follows a normal distribution. The problem is equivalent to determining the value of X of the B_x life. A heuristic method is used to find the change point of the failure rate, which depends on the coefficient of variation and is smaller than the left inflection point of the pdf. It appears plausible to define the B_x life at this change point. The usefulness of the results is also discussed and illustrated.