A Technique for Accelerated Life Testing

Abstract

If it is assumed that test specimens fail as soon as the damage accumulated in them reaches some definite amount, then a simple accelerated testing technique can be devised. Some specimens are failed under uniform accelerated conditions, while others are foiled partly under normal conditions and partly under accelerated conditions, and a graphical procedure then gives the life under normal conditions. Experimental tests with light bulbs, electric hand drills, electric motors, and bearing balls gave results which were consistant with the cumulative damage criterion, even though the modes of failure of the test specimens varied widely.