Optimal design of an electrical connector intermittent fault–accelerated reproduction test based on a genetic algorithm

Abstract

The intermittent fault of an electrical connector is a latent threat to the reliability of an electromechanical system. For electrical connector intermittent fault diagnosis, an intermittent fault must be reproduced. Reproducing an intermittent fault by a traditional test has a low efficiency and adds some damage to the product, which is not conducive to intermittent fault diagnosis. To further improve the reproduction efficiency of an intermittent fault and reduce the damage, optimal design of a step-stress-accelerated intermittent fault reproduction test is carried out. First, the number of intermittent faults and the degree of damage in the reproduction test are estimated, and reproduction and damage models of an intermittent fault during the step-stress reproduction test are constructed. Then, based on the intermittent fault and damage models, an optimized method based on a genetic algorithm is established. Finally, the validity and applicability of the theoretical model and the optimized method of the step-stress-accelerated test based on a genetic algorithm are verified by comparing data from a contrast test.