What additional purpose may a second modified test article serve during testing?

A second modified test article can serve a crucial role in data acquisition during testing. The main purpose of having an additional test article is to gather more comprehensive data from different iterations of the test setup. This is particularly important in experiments where variations in design, materials, or configurations may yield different performance metrics or outcomes.

By employing a second test article, testers can compare results across the two setups, thus enhancing the robustness of the data being collected. This comparative analysis can help in identifying trends, corroborating findings, or discovering anomalies that may not be evident from a single test article alone. Moreover, having a modified version allows for the assessment of different variables and the fine-tuning of parameters based on initial test results.

This approach effectively maximizes the value of the testing process as it contributes to a more thorough understanding of the subject matter, aiding in the development of more reliable conclusions and recommendations based on the data acquired.