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

• Structural testing: building and Construction Performance Testing
• Fire protection (ASTM D176)
• Packaging Performance (hazardous materials, dangerous goods, ASTM D4169)
• Performance Index for Tires (ASTM F538)
• Performance Test Code on Compressors and Exhausters (ASME PTC 10 - 1997)
• 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

See also

• Environmental chamber
• Test method
• Independent test organization
• Measurement uncertainty

References

1. 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