Problems in Sensitivity Testing of "One Shot" Electro-Explosive Devices

Accurate estimates of aerospace electro-explosive device reliability can be made only by properly employed techniques of sensitivity testing. Improperly applied, sensitivity testing can produce misleading data which may compromise mission success or result in rejection of reliable units. This paper analyzes techniques used to estimate the reliability of "one shot" electro-explosive devices, discusses current practices which can produce suspect data, and suggests remedial action which will lead to accurate and dependable methods of reliability estimation.