Purposea. To centralize information common to the climatic test methods (AECTP 300).b. To provide genera guidance and requirements for preparing the environmental test specification and/or test plan@ and procedures unique to the program under considerations.ApplicationThis Method (301) includes information relative to:a. Test program developmentb. Test parameter values.c. Exposure durationd. Test item configuration.e. Information required prior to and following testing.f. Test parameter tolerances.g. Characteristics of test facilities.h. Temperature stabilization.i. Test controls.j. Test interruption.k. Pretest checks.l. Failure criteria.Each of these items (a-l) must be considered when using any of the AECTP 300 climatic methods. The documents in AECTP 300 contain generic test procedures that are intended to be tailored for the specific test program.LimitationsIt is impossible to simulate the total natural environment in a laboratory (chamber). Additionally@ gradients through the test item that are produced by the natural environment are@ in most cases@ difficult to achieve. However@ the tests outlined and described in this set of documentation attempt to provide exposure to simulated conditions from which a degree of confidence in the test results can be assumed. Any inability to test all associated equipment at the same time must be considered in evaluating final suitability of the test item and of the test method. Significant limitations relevant to the application of the AECTP 300 climatic methods include:a. identification and application of all the relevant environmental elements.b. Inability to operate and evaluate the test item as required in service.c. Limited environmental data (response or input)d. Inability of test facilities to apply the climatic elements as they occur in the service environment.e. Impracticality of performing tests for durations comparable to field exposure.The responsibility for reconciling these and other limitations to specific program needs lies with the environmental engineering specialist in conjunction with the program manager (see AECTP 100). Any one of the AECTP 300 procedures is not intended to be complete for a particular application. Each procedure shall be tailored and translated into test plans and procedures that satisfy the specific needs of each test program.