Design Margin: Key to Lunarcraft Shock Absorber Reliability

Design margin of performance capability over mission requirement is presented as a useful concept in relating various elements of a reliability program.

The shock absorber for a lunar landing vehicle is described in detail in relation to functional and environmental requirements. Progressive stages of the reliability program for this complex mechanism are reviewed. Development of design margin is traced from configuration definition, through qualitative and quantitative appraisal by means of failure mode analysis and reliability prediction. Design margin is then further validated by rigorous assurance testing and finally carefully protected during fabrication and assembly.