title: Physical test
text: # Physical test
  
  A physical test is a qualitative or quantitative procedure that consists of determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure. Often this is part of an experiment.
  
  Physical testing is common in physics, engineering, and quality assurance.
  
  ## Purposes
  
  Physical testing might have a variety of purposes, such as:
  
  * if, or verify that, the requirements of a specification, regulation, or contract are met
  * Decide if a new product development program is on track: Demonstrate proof of concept
  * Demonstrate the utility of a proposed patent
  * Provide standard data for other scientific, engineering, and quality assurance functions
  * Validate suitability for end-use
  * Provide a basis for Technical communication
  * Provide a technical means of comparison of several options
  * Provide evidence in legal proceedings
  
  ## Performance testing
  
  Some physical testing is performance testing which covers a wide range of engineering or functional evaluations where a material, product, or system is not specified by detailed material or component specifications. Rather, emphasis is on the final measurable performance characteristics. Testing can be a qualitative or quantitative procedure. Many Acceptance testing protocols employ performance testing e.g. In the stress testing of a new design of chair.
  
  ### Examples of performance testing
  
  * Structural testing: building and Construction Performance Testing
  * Fire protection (ASTM D176)
  * Packaging Performance (hazardous materials, dangerous goods, ASTM D4169)
  * Performance Index for Tires (ASTM F538)
  * Performance Test Code on Compressors and Exhausters (ASME PTC 10 - 1997)
  * Personal protective equipment performance
  * Several Defense Standards
  * Wear of Textiles (ASTM D123)
  
  ## Gallery
  
  * Test fixture on universal testing machine
  * Hydraulic system testing
  * Drop test of shipping container for missile
  * Engineers in NASA dynamic test chamber
  * Crash test of car striking a wall
  * Fire testing materials and structures
  