The application of accelerated testing theory is a difficult proposition, yet one that can result in considerable time and cost savings, as well as increasing a product's useful life. In Accelerated Testing: A Practitioner's Guide to Accelerated and Reliability Testing, readers are exposed to the latest, most practical knowledge available in this dynamic and important discipline. Authors Bryan Dodson and Harry Schwab draw on their considerable experience in the field to present comprehensive, insightful views in this book. Development and quality assurance tests are defined in detail and are presented from a practical viewpoint. Included are testing fundamentals, plans and models, and equipment and methods most commonly used in accelerated testing. Individuals seeking to evaluate and improve the design lives of components and systems will find this book a valuable reference, with special attention being paid to testing in the mobility industries.

No abstract

When performing a vibration test on a guided missile, it is necessary to simulate the free-free condition of the missile in flight. This procedure presents technical difficulties because the missile must be supported for the test in the laboratory, and the supports can affect the mode shapes and resonant frequencies. To avoid the problems that occurred when using slings or bungee cords, an air-spring support system was developed. The performance of the air-spring support system exceeded expectations. The missile could be raised quickly and consistently on the saddles, and the supports had minimal effects on the vibration responses.

No abstract

A Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) consists of much more than simply subjecting a product to extreme environments to discern potential design weaknesses. Before testing, careful attention must be paid to planning, hardware and equipment availability, and ensuring the appropriate personnel are involved. The test must also include reviews of any potential hardware failures and the procedure for handling them. After test completion, a report must be written to document the entire procedure and any lessons learned. This article covers the entire anatomy of a HALT test from inception to final report.