Test

Careful test is the proof of success and always reveals opportunities for improvement.   Test data confirms or denies models, especially computer models.   Some experience examples are listed below.

Special emphasis on the uncertainty of computerized measurements is always warranted.

Electrical Mechanical Transduction

Characterization of Terbium Alloy Magnetostrictive Material and Transducers

• High dynamic alternating stress
• High static compressive stress
• Losses
• Fatigue behavior
• Effect of temperature
• Frequency response

Result: Unexplored potential of high stress and upgraded material data presentation revealed.

Aerospace

Lab Testing of 5 080 psi Hydraulic Tubing and Tubing Assemblies for Boeing 787

• Impulse fatigue, rotary fatigue, and burst tests verify integrity
• Develop autofrettage parameters
• Tensile properties anisotropy mapping
• Correlation of internal/external strain rosette data to uniaxial properties

Result: Improvements identified in aerospace standards, stress and strain modeling, tube weight, and lab methods and instrumentation.

Ground and Flight Tests for Boeing Models 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777

• Obtain and maintain FAA certification
• Airline complaint investigation

Result: Problems confirmed or denied, proof collected, upgraded components approved, engineering models validated.

777 Electro-Mechanical System Integration Laboratory

• 150+ computers and production wire harnesses
• "Quiet, dark" flight deck verified
• System redundancy validated

Result: No FAA Airworthiness Directive issued for 16 months after entry into service.

Hughes (now Raytheon) AGM-65D Maverick Anti-Tank Missile

• Missile live-launch flight test planning