Physical test

A physical test is a qualitative or quantitative procedure that consists of determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure.^[1] Often this is part of an experiment.

Physical testing is common in physics, engineering, and quality assurance.

Purposes

Physical testing might have a variety of purposes, such as:

if, or verify that, the requirements of a specification, regulation, or contract are met
Decide if a new product development program is on track: Demonstrate proof of concept
Demonstrate the utility of a proposed patent
Provide standard data for other scientific, engineering, and quality assurance functions
Validate suitability for end-use
Provide a basis for Technical communication
Provide a technical means of comparison of several options
Provide evidence in legal proceedings

Performance testing

Some physical testing is performance testing which covers a wide range of engineering or functional evaluations where a material, product, or system is not specified by detailed material or component specifications. Rather, emphasis is on the final measurable performance characteristics. Testing can be a qualitative or quantitative procedure. Many Acceptance testing protocols employ performance testing e.g. In the stress testing of a new design of chair.

Examples of performance testing

Building and Construction Performance Testing
Fire protection (ASTM D176)
Packaging Performance (hazardous materials, dangerous goods, ASTM D4169)
Performance Index for Tires (ASTM F538)
Personal protective equipment performance
Several Defense Standards
Wear of Textiles (ASTM D123)

Gallery

Test fixture on universal testing machine
Hydraulic system testing
Drop test of shipping container for missile
Engineers in NASA dynamic test chamber
Crash test of car striking a wall
Fire testing materials and structures

References

↑ ASTM E 1301, Standard Guide for Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparisons

Pyzdek, T, "Quality Engineering Handbook", 2003, ISBN 0-8247-4614-7
Godfrey, A. B., "Juran's Quality Handbook", 1999, ISBN 007034003X

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