Interpretation of the effects of an environmental test depends on the purpose of the test in the context of a specific acquisition program. Structural degradation and performance anomalies may be considered as useful information during engineering development tests, but as failures during formal tests for contractual compliance. The following are some of the most common conditions that could constitute a materiel failure, depending on specific contract requirements.
- a. Deviation of monitored functional parameter levels beyond acceptable limits established in the pretest performance record and specified in the requirements document. NOTE: Certain types of materiel (e.g., propellants and electrically driven devices) often are expected to demonstrate decreased performance at an environmental extreme, particularly low temperature. A failure would occur only if degradation is more than permissible, or remains degraded after removal of the environmental stress.
- b. Not fulfilling safety requirements or developing safety hazards.
- c. Not fulfilling specific materiel requirements.
- d. Test item changes that could prevent the materiel from meeting its intended service life or maintenance requirements. (For example: Corroded oil drain plug cannot be removed with specified tools.)
- e. Deviation from established environmental impact requirements. (For example: Exhaust emission levels beyond established limits or seal failures that allow oil spills.)
- f. Additional failure criteria as specified in the materiel specification.