Volume 4. Test Management Phase. Chapter 8. Design of Experiments.
Abstract
The nature of testing lies in answering a question. This question may be phrased as "Does this system meet the specification requirements?" or as "How much of what I taught was learned by the students?" In both cases, a test is performed to determine the answer. This course material addresses the design of a test or experiment in order to satisfactorily answer the question posed to the tester. In the field of aerospace testing, some common questions posed to the test community include: "We've developed a new system to meet the projected threat. Does this system meet the performance requirements in the specifications?" "We've modified this system and want to know whether the modification improves the system performance by a minimum measurable amount." "We have two systems that are being compared. Is one system measurably better than the other or are they substantially the same?" "Does the flight test data validate the analytical model derived from wind tunnel and analysis results?" The tester is responsible for developing the test, from establishing the purpose of the test, establishing the success criteria, formulating the test hypothesis determining how much risk of being wrong is acceptable, and determining the minimum number of samples to take during the testing. Considering each of these factors in turn will enable the tester to ensure a successful test or experiment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA320065