Physical test
# 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
