Residence time moments of stochastic compartmental models with age-dependent and time-dependent rates

Typescript (photocopy).The residence time moments and cross moments are derived for the general stochastic compartment model with constant transition rates. These moments are obtained for the n-compartment, irreversible catenary system with transition rates that are general functions of time. The two-compartment, reversible system with time-dependent rates is also considered; however, a closed form solution for the moments is derived only for particular functions of time. The residence time moments and cross moments for stochastic compartmental systems with age-dependent transition rates are found by relating survivorship theory to the rates. Necessary characteristic functions for obtaining these moments are derived for the n-compartment, irreversible catenary system and the two-compartment, reversible system. The procedure for the general reversible system is outlined