Bayesian minimum aberration mixed-level split-plot designs

Abstract

Many industrial experiments involve factors with levels more difficult to change or control than others, which leads to the development of two-level fractional factorial split-plot (FFSP) designs. Recently, mixed-level FFSP designs were proposed due to the requirement of different-level factors. In this paper, we generalize the Bayesian optimal criterion for mixed two- and four-level FFSP designs, and then provide Bayesian minimum aberration (MA) criterion to rank FFSP designs. Bayesian MA criterion can give a natural ordering for the effects involving two-level factors and three components of a four-level factor. We also discuss the relationship between the Bayesian optimal and Bayesian MA criteria. Furthermore, we consider the designs with both qualitative and quantitative factors.