Accelerated Life Testing

TL;DR

• Simulates harsher-than-normal conditions to estimate product or material lifespan more quickly.
• Commonly used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical to assess reliability and durability.
• Helps identify issues before market release but may not exactly reflect real-life use and can be costly.

Definition

Accelerated life testing is a testing method used to determine the lifespan of a product or material by subjecting it to conditions that are much harsher than it would typically experience in real-life use.

Explanation

Accelerated life testing works by exposing a product or material to extreme environmental, mechanical, or operational stresses so that wear, failures, or degradation occur faster than under normal use. Results from these tests are used to estimate the expected lifespan under normal conditions and to evaluate reliability and durability prior to market release. The method is applied across multiple industries and requires specialized equipment and skilled personnel.

Advantages described in the source:

• Identifies and allows addressing potential issues before products are released to the market, which can help prevent costly recalls and improve customer satisfaction.
• Tests lifespan in a shorter amount of time than traditional testing methods, saving time and money and enabling faster market entry with greater confidence in reliability.

Disadvantages described in the source:

• Extreme test conditions may not accurately reflect the real-life conditions a product will experience.
• Can be expensive and time-consuming due to the need for specialized equipment and skilled personnel.

Examples

Car tire durability

Testing the durability of a car tire by driving it on a rough, rocky road at high speeds for an extended period simulates much greater wear and tear than normal road conditions. The tire is tested for its ability to withstand these extreme conditions, and results are used to determine its expected lifespan under normal conditions.

Smartphone durability

Testing a smartphone by subjecting it to extreme temperature fluctuations, water damage, and heavy impacts simulates conditions harsher than typical use (for example, being dropped or left in a hot car). Results are used to determine the expected lifespan of the phone under normal conditions.

Use cases

• Automotive industry
• Electronics industry
• Medical industry

Notes or pitfalls

• Test conditions may not represent actual real-life use, potentially limiting the accuracy of lifespan estimates.
• The testing process can require significant expense and time because of specialized equipment and skilled personnel.

Related terms

• Traditional testing methods
• Reliability
• Durability