ABSTRACT
A focused rationale is presented for the qualification of sensitive equipments subjected to extensive dynamic loadings and where potential failure criteria are difficult to identify and quantify. The rationale demands, through structured documentation, a disciplined and consistent approach to environmental engineering qualification practices, and is designed to permit tailoring of the complete qualification programme to achieve maximum cost effectiveness. The rationale is currently under development for the UK defence industry but the concept and practices have general applicability to sensitive equipments. The need for the rationale has been driven by the dramatically changing business and engineering scene within the defence industry.
