Life Estimating Techniques for Failure Mode Identification Testing Methods

Failure mode identification test such as Failure Mode Verification Testing® (FMVT), Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and Multiple Environment Over Stress Test (MEOST) have provided a solid means of identifying failure modes quickly. Many experts in these different methods have asserted that making life predictions from these tests will eventually be possible. This paper will explore the current state of making those correlations and detail several methods that have been successful in providing correlation between failure mode testing results and field life data. The short-term and long-term potential for life prediction and population synthesis will be discussed.