scope:

Purpose.

This test is performed to determine whether the design of the terminals and their method of attachment can withstand one or more of the applicable mechanical stresses to which they will be subjected during installation or disassembly in equipment. These stresses must be withstood by the component part without sustaining damage which would affect either the utility of the terminals or the operation of the component part itself. Evidence of damage caused by this test may not become evident until subsequent environmental tests are performed, such as seal, moisture resistance, or life. Procedures are established in this method for testing wire-lead terminals, flexible-flat-strip or tab-lead terminals, and rigid-type terminals which are threaded or have other arrangements for attaching conductors. The forces applied consist of direct axial, radial or tension pulls, twist, bending torsion, and the torque exerted by the application of nuts or screws on threaded terminals. These applied stresses will disclose poor workmanship, faulty designs, and inadequate methods of attaching terminals to the body of the part. Other evidence of damage may be disclosed by mechanical distortion of the part, breaking of seals, cracking of materials surrounding the terminals, or changes in electrical characteristics, such as shorted or interrupted circuits and changes in resistance values.