DROP TEST ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION

A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability to perform a drop test using a response surface. Inputs including a target safety factor (T-SF), a drop height, and a computer model, are acquired. An initial template is evaluated by computing a safety factor for a set of orientations, for each model point MP in the computer model across a set of times (t). A minimum safety factor is determined and a response surface for the model is generated. An actual safety factor SFm is generated by conducting a drop test simulation of the model based on a point having the minimum safety factor and a corresponding orientation. Consistency/validity of the actual safety factor is compared to the target safety factor and the model either passes or additional points may be added to the set of points and the process repeats based on an updated response surface.