An Activation-Energy Index as a Criterion for Design Excellence of a Go, No-Go System

Systems characterized by go, no-go may operate successfully even when they are close to failure. Often, in such systems, designers are faced with frustrating difficulties when they want to determine the effects of design changes on performance or reliability. A practical approach to solving such a problem is discussed. As an example, a system used for initiating ignition of a solid propellant motor is presented. An index, based on activation energy, is developed and used to establish a performance gradient which separates success from failure by a measurable amount. This index can be used to calculate the effects of design changes with respect to performance and reliability. The approach can be generalized to many systems.