Parametric Accelerated Life Testing in Mechanical/Civil System: Fid-Bau Portal

Parametric Accelerated Life Testing in Mechanical/Civil System

Woo, Seongwoo

Abstract As a new methodology for reliability design of mechanical system, parametric Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) for different modules will be introduced in this chapter. It consists of parametric ALT plan, generalized life-stress failure model with a new effort concept, acceleration factor, and sample size equation. As applying the accelerated loads to the mechanical structure, the weakest parts in product will reveal. Mechanical engineer can modify the product design to have enough strength and stiffness. Engineer therefore is to confirm whether the final design of mechanical system meets the reliability target. However, there are pending questions—actual testing time and sample size—how to carry out reliability testing. If a few of samples are selected, the statistical data accuracy for reliability testing will decrease. If a sufficient quantity of parts is tested, the test cost will demand considerably. Therefore, the best solution that can decrease the testing time and the sample size is the accelerated life testing that is based on the load analysis. If so, the weakest parts in product (or module) will be exposed. Engineer can solve the problematic designs by correcting them. To save the testing time and decrease sample size, parametric ALT is a kind of solution. The accelerated factors could be found in analyzing the load conditions of real dynamics system. It also requires deriving the sample size equation with accelerated factors. Therefore, if reliability target is assigned, we can carry out reliability testing.