Track 2 Session 4
2:20 to 3:20 p.m. Tuesday June 17, 2008

The Pitfalls of Accelerated Life Testing

The advantages of accelerated life testing are many but one needs to be careful in the application of these techniques. Factors that cause issues at use level become even more pronounced as stress levels rise. This case study will examine, with background theory, the efforts to develop a field linked accelerated life test for an engine oil cooler. The techniques used to determine which stresses are to be applied will be examined along with the results of different rounds of testing.

While the case study will focus on an automotive component, the techniques and methods are broadly applicable to other areas.

Key Words: Accelerated Life Testing, Specification Development, Component Testing