• Functional margin (“how well” something performs) is determined by measuring and comparing
• Energy required to accomplish function to Energy deliverable by pyrotechnic source
• Relative rate of ignition produced by one initiator type to That produced by other initiators under consideration
• Determining minimum explosive load to accomplish function (while maintaining flight configuration) to flight explosive load
• Determining key functional parameters, measuring their performance at limits of functionality to flight configuration
(For example, plate severance is enhanced by the bending of the plate during fracture; tests would be conducted at the thinnest and thickest limits of the plate.)