Aectp-300 Edd v1 e
Aectp-300 Edd v1 e
AECTP-300
Published by the
NATO STANDARDIZATION OFFICE (NSO)
© NATO/OTAN
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AECTP-300
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
RECORD OF RESERVATIONS
Note: The reservations listed on this page include only those that were recorded at time of
promulgation and may not be complete. Refer to the NATO Standardization Document
Database for the complete list of existing reservations.
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IV Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
Note: The reservations listed on this page include only those that were recorded at time of
promulgation and may not be complete. Refer to the NATO Standardization Document
Database for the complete list of existing reservations.
V Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
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VI Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
General Updated the entire document format to match the most recent
NATO AP Template. Corrected various typographical errors.
Method 300 Method 301 revised and moved to Method 300.
Method 301 Method 312 Low Pressure (Altitude) moved to Method 301.
Method 302 Complete revision to High Temperature test method.
Method 313 Complete revision to Sand and Dust test method.
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AECTP-300
INDEX
AECTP-300 test methods address climatic elements which may occur either
individually or in combination with other climatic elements or mechanical environments.
While the application of combined environments is realistic, is encouraged, and is often
preferred to produce synergistic effects, analysis of results is often difficult with regard
to assigning failure to a particular element.
In developing a test program, consideration shall be given to the anticipated life cycle
of the materiel. The cumulative damage caused by long term exposure to the various
combinations of climatic and mechanical environments should be simulated. The
interface with the appropriate platform shall also be taken into account.
The tests herein are believed to provide a reasonable demonstration of the test item's
resistance to the effects of climatic elements. The tests are not necessarily intended to
duplicate the environment and, where possible, guidance on the limitations or
application is provided.
When possible, the use of measured and response data to develop test severities is
recommended.
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD TITLE
307 IMMERSION
310 RAIN/WATERTIGHTNESS
311 ICING
315 FREEZE/THAW
317 TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY/ALTITUDE
318 VIBRATION/TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY/ALTITUDE *
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 300
METHOD 300
GENERAL GUIDANCE AND REQUIREMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 300
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 300
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1. This document provides general guidance related to the climatic test methods
of AECTP-300. It also defines the general test conditions and associated tolerances
utilised with the test methods of AECTP-300. Its purpose is to provide general
guidance and requirements for preparing the Environmental Test Program (captured
within the Test Plan or Test Procedures).
2. The conditions and tolerances of this document are set for standardisation
purposes and are intended to be generally applicable where no specific advice is
supplied. However, where different conditions and tolerances are stated in the
applicable test methods of AECTP-300 or in the relevant Environmental Test
Specification, they shall take precedence over those stated in this document.
1.2. APPLICATION
This method includes information which should be considered when adapting the
generic test methods of AECTP-300 for any specific environmental test program.
Method 300 provides information relative to:
c. Exposure duration.
h. Temperature stabilization.
i. Test controls.
j. Test interruption.
(1) Pre-Test
1.3. LIMITATIONS
1. The primary limitation of the Methods within AECTP-300 is that they are
largely intended to simulate the natural environments, however they cannot fully
replicate all the synergistic effects of the natural conditions. General limitations
relevant to the application of the Climatic Test Methods include:
2. These limitations should be addressed in the preparation of the Test Plan and
Test Procedures for the specific application (see AECTP 100).
Temperature 15 °C to 35 °C
Relative Humidity 25% to 75%
Air Pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa (860 mbar to 1,060 mbar)
Temperature 21 °C to 25 °C
Relative Humidity 45% to 55%
Air Pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa (860 mbar to 1,060 mbar)
2. They may also be used where no other atmospheric conditions are specified,
but where the environment needs to be controlled. Some commodities may use
different nominal conditions and these are tabulated in Table 1.
Relative Humidity
Temperature (°C) Air Pressure Note
(%)
Nominal Close Wide Close Wide
kPa mbar
Value Tolerance Tolerance Range Range
86 to 860 to
20 ±1 ±2 63 to 67 60 to 70 1
106 1060
86 to 860 to
23 ±1 ±2 48 to 52 45 to 55 1
106 1060
86 to 860 to
25 ±1 ±2 48 to 52 45 to 55 2, 3
106 1060
86 to 860 to
27 ±1 ±2 63 to 67 60 to 70 1
106 1060
86.45 to
23 ±2 45 to 55 4
103.05
Note 1: These values are those published in IEC 60068-1, ISO 554, and ISO 3205.
Note 2: These values are those published in IEC 60068-1, but do not appear in
ISO 554 or ISO 3205.
Note 3: The value of 25 °C is included primarily because of the interest for the testing
of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
Tolerance
Parameter
(of specified value unless stated
(and usual units if applicable)
otherwise)
Temperature (°C) ±2 °C
Relative Humidity (%) ±5%
Pressure (Pa) ±5%
-0% / +1% up to a maximum of
Time (s, m & hr)
15 minutes
±20%, averaged between 10% and 90%
Rate of change of temperature (°C/min)
of the total temperature change
Air velocity / wind speed (m/s) ±15%
±10%, averaged between 10% and 90%
Rate of change of air pressure (Pa/s)
of the total pressure change.
The accuracy of all instrumentation and test apparatus used to control or monitor the
test parameters should be verified at regular periods. All instruments and test
apparatus used shall;
c. Not significantly influence the response of the test item to the test
environment it is being subjected to.
3.3. DEVIATIONS
1. If the required tolerances cannot be met then, with the agreement of the Test
Specifier, the following deviations to the tolerances are permitted:
a. For test items with a volume greater than 0.5 m 3, the temperature
tolerance may be increased to ±3 °C.
b. For temperature modifying test items (e.g., those generating their own
heat during test), the temperature tolerance may be increased to ±3 °C.
c. For higher temperatures, more than 100 °C, the temperature tolerance
may be increased to ±5 °C.
2. Any other deviation from the stated conditions and tolerances shall be agreed
with the Test Specifier and recorded in the Environmental Test Report along with the
reasons for the deviation.
2. All test items should be pre-conditioned to ensure the equipment begins the
testing in the condition it would be close to in the natural or operational environment,
ensuring test repeatability. The minimum period of climatic pre-conditioning should
be sufficient for the test item to stabilise at the required conditions, however this will
also depend upon the thermal characteristics of the equipment; e.g., thermal
capacity, physical size and thermal transfers.
a. Non-Operating:
NOTE: In some cases, instrumenting the location of longest thermal lag may
not be feasible or appropriate. Multiple points on a test item may need to be
monitored to assess stabilization including those components that will
experience peak response conditions, critical components, and where
necessary, components with the longest thermal lag. In some cases, a thermal
survey or analysis should be performed to determine the conditions and
duration that the test item should be exposed, to reach stabilisation.
b. Operating:
4. The nominal air temperature rate of change for pre-conditioning test items is
less than 3 °C per minute. Unless specified otherwise, the rate of change of
temperature of the test chamber should be kept below 10 °C per minute. Otherwise
the temperature change may be closer to a thermal shock and in extreme cases
could endanger the test item. In some instances, to shorten the pre-conditioning
time, it may be desirable to force the conditioning rate by setting the chamber
temperature at a greater extreme than the requirement. This should only be
considered with prior agreement of the Test Specifier. In such cases, it becomes
more important to accurately control the rate of change of the test item.
b. Thermo-mechanical behaviour.
2. Every climatic chamber has a useful working volume which is smaller than the
actual chamber volume. The size of the working volume will depend upon the type of
test being undertaken, whether the equipment can modify the temperature and the
flow of air within the chamber. The ratio between chamber size and equipment size
can create considerable variability in the temperature and humidity within the working
volume of the chamber. If the equipment is too large for the working volume of the
chamber it may not be possible to adequately control the temperature within the
working volume because the test item is absorbing, dissipating and / or radiating too
much heat. Guidance on the calculation of uncertainty of conditions in climatic test
chambers can be found in IEC 60068-3-11.
3. When testing heat dissipating test items, air flow around or over the test item
can modify the temperatures experienced. This is particularly true of test items being
subjected to solar radiation testing. Therefore, when testing such test items, the air
flow around or over the test item should be known to ensure that the conditions
approximate as close as possible typical free air conditions or those conditions
expected when the equipment is in use.
4. Non-uniform heat sources of a test chamber should be located so that the test
item is not subjected to direct radiant heat unless this is a requirement of the test, as
for example in the solar radiation test.
1. After undertaking the prescribed environmental test, the test item should
normally be allowed to return to Standard Laboratory Conditions and stabilise at
those conditions before undertaking any Post-Test examinations, functional tests,
performance tests or any test item characterisation work. Unless the Environmental
Test Specification specifies otherwise, the rate of change of temperature of the test
item should be kept below 3 °C per minute. The test item should be allowed to
stabilise at Standard Laboratory Conditions in the same manner as stated earlier in
this chapter.
A Post-Test natural drying regime for the test item may be required, before
undertaking any Post-Test examinations, functional tests, performance tests or any
test item characterisation work. Where natural drying conditions are required, the
test item should be allowed to dry in Standard Laboratory Conditions. Unless
otherwise specified the drying period should be not less than 6 hours.
1. In some instances Post-Test assisted drying for the test item may be required,
before undertaking any Post-Test examinations, functional tests, performance tests
or any test item characterisation work. Where assisted drying is required the
conditions stated below should be used for a period of 6 hours, unless otherwise
specified.
Temperature 55 ±2 °C
Relative Humidity Not exceeding 20%
Air Pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa (860 mbar to 1,060 mbar)
NOTE:
1) These conditions are comparable to IEC 60068-1.
2) The temperature used should not exceed the maximum operating
temperature of the test item.
2. After assisted drying, the test item should be allowed to stabilise within
Standard Laboratory Conditions, before undertaking any Post-Test examinations.
Air Pressure The prevailing laboratory pressure may be within the limits
of 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
1. The water used for Method 306 (Humid Heat), Method 310 (Rain /
Watertightness), Method 315 (Freeze / Thaw), Method 317 (Temperature / Humidity /
Altitude), and Method 318 (Vibration / Temperature / Humidity / Altitude) should be
fresh tap water of good quality. To prevent clogging of nozzles the water should be
filtered and may be demineralised.
2. Water used for humidity measurement (water vapour and wet bulb socks) as
well as that used for Method 308 (Mould Growth) and Method 309 (Salt Fog), should
not introduce contaminants or unintended products. Chemicals commonly found in
commercial water supplies, such as chlorine, may have unintended corrosive effects
on test items or affect fungus germination. Soluble materials, such as calcium
carbonate (lime), as well as insoluble materials can also cause nozzles to clog and
can leave deposits. Water with a non-neutral pH could cause unintended effects on
equipment. Rather than impose unrealistic water purity requirements, the
recommend water used for these tests, should be relatively clean of impurities and
chemicals, and have a pH in the range of 6.5 to 7.2 at 25 °C, at the time of the test.
Water resistivity in the range of 0.15 MΩ.cm to 5 MΩ.cm, is recommended. Water
used that is outside this range should be documented. Water within this range can
be produced using distillation, demineralization, reverse osmosis, or deionization.
The test item should be installed within the test facilities in the required orientation
and configuration, as specified in the Environmental Test Specification. The
configuration should, as far as possible, be the in-service configuration of the
equipment when it is in storage, in transit, in operation or during use. As a minimum,
the following configurations should be considered for the test item:
b. Protected or unprotected.
2. Mounting of the test item in the test facility should simulate, as closely as
practicable, the installation arrangements that exist in normal in-service use.
Unrepresentative orientations, structural frames, thermal screening, mixing of
incompatible material, etc., that could influence the outcome of the test should be
minimised.
5. If more than one test item is in the same chamber, it is necessary to ensure
that all the test items experience the same test temperatures and have identical
mounting conditions. Unless otherwise specified, install the test item in the chamber
in a manner that will simulate service use to the maximum extent practicable, with
test connections made and instrumentation attached as necessary. For example:
b. If units are being tested together and the mechanical, electrical, and
Radio Frequency (RF) interfaces permit, position units at least 15 cm
(6 inches) from each other and / or from the test chamber surfaces to
allow for consistent and controlled air circulation. For heat dissipating
equipment, ensure that one product does not influence another.
Supplies and services (electrical power, air, hydraulics, etc.) required for operating or
monitoring the test item should, where practicable, be derived from or simulated by
sources identical to, or typical of, those provided for in-service use. Consideration
should also be given to any changes in the physical properties or characteristics of
the supplies and services which may arise when operating in extreme environments
(e.g., higher or lower working pressures, reduced cranking amperage on batteries,
etc.). These effects may need to be replicated to properly evaluate operation of the
test item.
1. To optimise the conditions of heat transfer between a test item and the
surrounding chamber, the following guidance should be considered:
d. Convective: the air flow around or over the test item should ensure that
the conditions approximate as close as possible typical free air
conditions or those conditions expected when the equipment is in use.
However, consult the specific test method for further specifications.
(3) Monitor critical positions associated with the test item response.
2. Sufficient sensors should be used to monitor all the specific conditions created
by the specific test, ensuring the sensors are adequate for the purpose. These shall
include but not be limited to:
If any Pre-, During- or Post-Test functional tests are required, conduct said test as
appropriate with the advice provided in the specific test Method and as detailed within
the Environmental Test Specification.
5.6.1. Pre-Test
(1) Visually examine the test item with special attention to stress
areas and document observations including appropriate
photographs and sensor positions.
(2) Insert the test item into the chamber in the required test
configuration. Ensure that all cable connections have been
made; that unused electrical (or other) connections have been
adequately covered to simulate the actual operational
5.6.2. During-Test
NOTE: Where appropriate (for items containing energetic / volatile materials; e.g.,
weapons), these checks should be conducted remotely, where personnel should not
physically enter the test chamber or examine the item under test whilst the test is in
progress. If personnel are required to directly operate or manipulate the test item during
the test (i.e., for functional tests), then this shall be detailed in the Environmental Test
Specification. The safety of personnel to enter the chamber however, may be limited by
the potentially hazardous nature of the specific test and / or specific test item. Therefore,
the hazard should be understood prior to conducting the test and referenced within the
Environmental Test Specification. Particularly, care shall be given to exhausting any
noxious fumes (from combustion or off gassing) as well as monitoring the air quality inside
the chamber. Data from these checks should be included within the Test Report.
5.6.3. Post-Test
Unless specified otherwise in the Environmental Test Specification, a post test check
should be conducted to provide data for all test items. After completing the
environmental test, examine the test item in accordance with the Environmental Test
Specifications.
(1) Before returning to the test item, ensure that the test facility
safety procedures and any specific requirements within the
Environmental Test Specification are followed (which may vary
depending upon the item), and that the item is safe to approach.
(3) If required and appropriate, a functional test of the test item may
be undertaken to obtain Post-Test data. Compare the results
with the Pre-Test data.
NOTE: Climatic testing is generally looking for subtle changes caused by the
environment. These tend to be observed by comparing the Pre-, During- and
Post-Test functional test data. Functional tests should be designed to exercise
critical functions (operational and safety). These should include worst-case
conditions; i.e., extremes of the performance envelope for a given environment,
especially relating to heat transfer, power draw, etc. Repeated functional tests
may be necessary to characterise variability in the results, due to either
operational variability and / or human operator error.
1. Prior to conducting, and at the completion of the tests, the condition of each
test item shall be established as follows:
2. For additional and / or other specific instructions for Pre- and Post-Test
Examination, consult the Environmental Test Specification.
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For each of the AECTP-300 Methods, the following information is required in the test
instructions (where applicable). The individual AECTP-300 Methods may contain
additional requirements to augment this list.
e. Test item identification (manufacturer, lot and serial number, etc.), test
item configuration and the number of test items is required. This should
also include whether the test item is to be tested in its normal packaging
or unpackaged as well as the state the test item is to be tested in; e.g.,
valves, hatches, covers and doors open or closed, power on or off, and
restraints in place if necessary.
f. Method of mounting and orientation of the test item within the chamber.
(1) The phases of the test when the test item is to operate and be
assessed.
j. Whether any visual or other examinations are required. If they are, the
phases of the test that they are to be conducted at and the
requirements to be met.
For each of the AECTP-300 Methods, the following shall be provided so that the test
can be verified at the completion of the test, with the requirements included within the
test instructions and reported within the test reports.
(1) The frequency of monitoring will depend upon the type of climatic
test and its data requirements. Test conditions should be
monitored at intervals that are appropriate for the test item and at
a rate which ensures the prescribed severities can be
maintained, within the required tolerances, by the test facilities.
Other minimum intervals may be set to capture transient events
that may occur at any time during the test.
(3) The test item should be monitored to verify its physical condition
or performance. This will ensure that pertinent changes in the
condition of the test item is recorded throughout the conditioning,
enabling meaningful analysis to be performed.
NOTE:
1) Monitoring equipment, such as thermocouples or other sensors, should not
modify or attenuate the materiel’s temperature and / or thermal conductivity.
2) Original (raw) data captured during the test shall be preserved to ensure that
there is an unmodified source of test data.
In addition to the information within the chapter and specific to the AECTP-300 test
method, the following information is required to verify the completion of the test(s)
described in the method. This shall be provided within the Environmental Test
Specification and / or recorded in the test report.
6.2.1. Pre-Test
6.2.2. During-Test
6.2.3. Post-Test
Unless specified otherwise in the Environmental Test Specification, a post test check
should be conducted to provide data for all test items. After completing the
environmental test, examine the test item in accordance with the Environmental Test
Specifications.
(7) List of any test interruptions and deviations from the test plan,
ensuring that the guidance within Chapter 7 was followed,
including the provision of the explanation of the interruption /
deviation, and documented approval from the Test Specifier /
Stakeholder Panel.
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7.1. DEFINITION
2. All interruption criteria shall be detailed in the test item’s Environmental Test
Specification. In the event of an interruption:
If the effect of the interruption resulted in the test conditions becoming less severe
than those required:
d. Any identified deviation must be explained in the test report, with the
cause determined and the impact on the test items explained.
No
No
Yes
Out-of-Tolerance Overtest
(See Section 7.3)
Yes
Was the
Item Damaged or have No
materials degraded?
Yes
Is the No
Item Repairable?
No
Were repairs made?
Yes
Restart Test at Beginning with
New or Rebuilt Item
(See Section 7.5)
When the effect of the interruption resulted in the test conditions becoming more
severe than those required, the preferable course of action is to terminate the test
and reinitiate testing with a new test item. However, there would be a loss of the
cumulative and / or synergistic effects from the previous testing, see Chapter 8
paragraph 8.6. Therefore, the following should be considered:
a. Stop the test and conduct an operational and visual check of the test
item.
b. If no defects are revealed, re-stabilise the test item at the test conditions
that correspond to the point of interruption and continue the test.
c. If a defect is revealed, restart the test from the beginning with a new
test item.
d. Any identified deviation must be explained in the test report, with the
cause determined and the impact on the test items explained.
a. Stop the test and conduct an operational and visual check of the test
item.
e. Any identified deviation must be explained in the test report, with the
cause determined and the impact on the test items explained.
2. Scheduled test interruptions should be avoided and may not be allowed for
some test methods due to the time required to re-establish an equivalent response /
condition in the test item.
An interruption could occur where the test item has suffered a structural failure or has
failed to operate during functional tests. For guidance on the types of failure and
remedial actions to undertake in the event of said failure, see Chapter 9.
3. For the assessment of munitions (in particular) reference should also be made
to the guidance contained in STANAG 4297 Edition 2.
Testing in the natural environment is the most realistic approach. However, since it is
not possible to control the natural environment, it is rarely possible to ensure that the
required extreme environment is available for the test. Where testing in the natural
environment is impractical, laboratory testing becomes essential, but it should be
accepted that the full synergistic effect of the natural environment may not be
accurately replicated in all aspects.
8.3. TAILORING
The tailoring process (as described in AECTP 100, Guidelines on the Management of
Environmental Testing of Defence Materiel, or equivalent national documents) shall
be used to determine the appropriate tests and test variables based upon the Life
Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP). Whenever possible, data obtained under actual
end-use conditions should be utilised to define test parameters. When measured
data are not available, analytical derivations and data from similar applications may
be used. The requirements documents must, in all cases, define the anticipated
operational scenarios for the test item, so that the environmental test conditions can
be derived.
8.4. SEQUENCE
The sequence of tests should normally reflect the sequence of environments that the
materiel is expected to experience during its life cycle. Practically, limitations such as
time, scheduling and resources may require modification to this approach. There
are, in some situations, specific guidelines or recommendations for test sequence.
These are identified in the individual test methods.
The tailoring process (AECTP 100) may identify a need to apply combined
environments to the test item. Such combinations as temperature and altitude,
temperature and vibration, or temperature and shock may produce a more realistic
representation of the effects of the environment than a series of single tests.
Combined environment testing is encouraged, and the appropriate test procedures
should be blended by the environmental engineering specialist to provide the
required simulation.
1. The climatic test parameter values shall be based upon actual measurements,
documentation containing climatic data such as AECTP 230 Leaflet 2311, similar
national documents, or data banks.
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9.1. FAILURES
2. Any one of the following conditions shall normally constitute a test item failure:
d. Changes to the test item that could prevent it from meeting its intended
service life or maintenance requirements. (For example: Corroded oil
drain plug cannot be removed with commonly available tools or without
damaging the surrounding components.)
3. All failure criteria shall be detailed in the test item’s Environmental Test
Specification. In the event of a failure of the test item to function as required during
operational checks, consult the Environment Test Specification and inform the
relevant Stakeholder Panel to confirm the required course of action.
9.2. RETESTS
1. Test items with parts or assemblies that have been replaced, repaired or
redesigned should be re-tested to the complete test environment. It is recommended
that one of the following options is undertaken:
OPTION A. The preferable option is to replace the test item with a ‘new’ item
and restart the entire test.
a. For Option B:
(2) Non-energetic materials could also fail if the duration of the test
programme exceeds the design limits of the materiel.
9.3. EXCEPTIONS
b. Operator error.
e. Test item failures induced by test tools, fixtures, GFE / CFE, and
associated support equipment.
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METHOD 301
LOW PRESSURE (ALTITUDE)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 301
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 301
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
a. The materiel can be stored and operated at high ground elevation sites.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
In addition to thermal effects (see Method 303), examples of problems that could occur
as a result of exposure to reduced pressure are shown below. Exposure to high
humidity immediately following flight can draw moisture into items, but if it is necessary
to evaluate such combined effects, other test methods (such as Method 317 of this
AECTP) should be used. The list below is not intended to be all-inclusive and some of
the examples may overlap the categories:
2.1.1. Physical/Chemical
e. Evaporation of lubricants.
2.1.2. Electrical
See Method 300 Chapters 1 and 8. Four test procedures are included within this
Method: storage, operation, rapid decompression, and explosive decompression.
Based on the test data requirements, determine which of the test procedures or
combination of procedures is applicable.
Procedure II is used to determine the performance of the materiel under low pressure
conditions and may be preceded by procedure I, procedure III, procedure IV, or all
three. If there are no low pressure storage, rapid or explosive decompression
requirements, this procedure can stand alone.
2.3. SEQUENCE
Other testing may contribute significantly to the effects of low pressure on the test item
(see paragraph 2.1), and may have to be conducted before this method. For example:
b. Dynamic tests may affect the structural integrity of the test item.
After the test procedure is chosen, determine the test parameters such as test
pressure and temperature, rate of change of pressure (and temperature if appropriate),
duration of exposure, and test item configuration.
There are several conditions for which the rapid rate of decompression may vary.
These include:
For Procedure I, the test duration should be representative of the anticipated service
environment but, if this is determined to be extensive, a test duration of at least 1
hour is considered adequate for most materiel. Once the test pressure has been
reached and any required functions performed, Procedures II, III and IV do not
require extended periods at the test pressure.
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
4.2. CONTROLS
Unless otherwise specified, the altitude change rate shall not exceed 10 m/s.
See Method 300 Chapter 7. To achieve the desired effects, the test item must be
subjected to the full duration of the low pressure test without interruption.
4.4. PROCEDURES
The following test procedures, alone or in combination, provide the bases for collecting
the necessary information concerning the test item in a low-pressure environment.
Unless otherwise specified, the chamber temperature shall be maintained at the
anticipated service environment temperature.
Before starting any of the test procedures, determine the information specified in
Method 4 and 6 as well as altitude change rates, and perform the test preparation
procedure specified in Method 300 Chapter 2.
Step 1. Place the test item in its storage/transit configuration and position
it in the test chamber.
Step 3. Adjust the chamber air pressure to the required test altitude, at
an altitude change rate as specified in the test plan.
Step 5. Adjust the chamber air to standard ambient conditions at the rate
specified in the test plan.
Step 6. Visually examine the test item to the extent possible and conduct
an operational check. Document the results.
Step 1. With the test item in its operational configuration, adjust the
chamber air pressure (and temperature if appropriate) to the
required equivalent operational altitude at a rate not to exceed
that specified in the test plan.
Step 3. Adjust the chamber air to standard ambient conditions at the rate
specified in the test plan.
Step 4. Visually examine the test item to the extent possible and conduct
an operational check. Document the results.
Step 1. With the test item in the storage or transit configuration, adjust
the chamber air pressure (and temperature if appropriate) at the
rate specified in the test plan to the maximum equivalent altitude
of the anticipated aircraft (cabin pressure) (from Table 1).
Step 3. Adjust the chamber air to standard ambient conditions at the rate
specified in the test plan.
Step 4. Visually examine the test item to the extent possible and conduct
an operational check. Document the results.
Step 1. With the test item in the storage or transit configuration, adjust
Step 3. Adjust the chamber air to standard ambient conditions at the rate
specified in the test plan.
Step 4. Visually examine the test item to the extent possible and conduct
an operational check. Document the results.
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See Method 300 Chapter 9. For Procedure IV, the test item fails only if explosive
decompression causes a hazard to the aircraft or to the personnel; the test item need
not show satisfactory post-test performance unless otherwise specified.
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METHOD 302
HIGH TEMPERATURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 302
CONTENTS - Continued
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 302
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the High Temperature test method is to help evaluate the effects of
high temperature conditions on materiel safety, integrity, and performance.
1.2. APPLICATION
This method is used when the requirements documents state that the materiel is likely
to be stored or operated in areas where high temperatures occur. Further information
on the prevalence of high temperatures is provided in AECTP 230, “Climatic
Conditions”. Although not written for such, this method may be used in conjunction
with the shock and vibration tests in AECTP 400, “Mechanical Environmental Tests”, to
evaluate the effect of dynamic events (e.g., transport, handling, shock) on materiel
exposed to high temperature.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
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This method provides test severities suitable for use when measured data are not
available. Any derived test cycle that is based upon measured data needs to include
a sufficient safety margin to allow for variations in both environmental conditions and
materiel deployment. Overly specific test cycles may severely limit operational
flexibility as well as life extension potential, particularly if used in safety and suitability
assessments.
2.2. SEQUENCE
Use the anticipated Life-Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP) as a general guide for test
sequencing (see Method 300, “General Guidance and Requirements”). Consideration
should be given to materials which are likely to be permanently modified in either
their physical or chemical characteristics when exposed to high temperature
environments. For materiel that may be exposed to high induced temperatures
during storage and transport in uncontrolled environments, the High Temperature
Storage or Transport test is usually performed prior to other operational tests, in order
to maximize the likelihood of disclosing synergetic effects from sequential
environmental exposure. As an example, prior high temperature exposure may
significantly impact the results obtained when low pressure testing polymeric seals.
2.3.1. Physical
h. Lubricants becoming less viscous; joints may seize from the outward flow
of lubricant.
l. Difficulty in handling.
2.3.2. Chemical
2.3.3. Electrical
The high temperature test procedures in this method should be selected based on the
materiel’s anticipated LCEP. In many cases, one or more of the test procedures will
apply. Consider all high temperature environments anticipated for the materiel during
its LCEP, both in its logistic and operational modes. As a minimum, consider the
potential high temperature environments associated with the following materiel
configurations:
There are three types of test procedures included in this method. While all three
procedures involve temperature conditioning, they differ in the temperature load prior to
and during any functional tests.
This procedure is used to evaluate the effects of high temperature during storage or
transport on subsequent materiel performance. The procedure is intended to evaluate
the effect of short-term storage or transport within uncontrolled environments.
This procedure is used to evaluate the ability of materiel to soak at induced high
temperature conditions and then become operational, within a relatively short period of
time, at meteorological high temperature conditions. This procedure is not a substitute
for the solar radiation testing described in Method 305.
NOTE: The materiel’s LCEP may reveal other high temperature scenarios
that are not specifically addressed by the procedures outlined in this method.
Tailor the procedures as necessary to capture the LCEP variations, but do not
reduce the basic test requirements or severities reflected within this method.
3.1. GENERAL
Having selected this method and the relevant procedure(s), complete the tailoring
process by identifying appropriate test severities for each procedure based on the
materiel’s requirements documents and the materiel’s anticipated LCEP. The test
severities are the air temperature(s) (with low humidity, if applicable) and the exposure
duration at the high temperature(s).
1. These conditions represent the air temperature within the natural outdoor
environment. The meteorological temperature is the free air temperature shielded from
the direct influence of solar radiation or any other temperature modifying factors. It is
the temperature obtained from standard weather observation equipment (e.g., a
Stevenson screen) and reported by meteorological agencies.
1. All environments which differ from the prevailing meteorological conditions are
considered to be induced conditions. Naturally occurring induced conditions arise
when the heating effects of solar radiation cause the air temperature within less-than-
fully ventilated shelters or enclosures to rise above the prevailing outdoor
meteorological air temperature. Other induced conditions may arise due to heat-
generating sources from neighboring equipment or from within the materiel. Materiel
may experience induced conditions during storage, transport, or operation:
Select either cyclic or constant temperature conditions which represent the most
severe storage or transport conditions within the materiel’s anticipated LCEP. Storage
and transport conditions typically involve induced thermal environments, as such the
guidance on Induced Conditions (paragraph 3.2.2.) should be employed as
appropriate. Unless otherwise justified by the materiel’s requirements documents, the
cyclic (diurnal) temperature profiles in Table A-2 of Annex A should be used, with the
most severe climatic category selected in accordance with the materiel’s anticipated
LCEP.
Select either cyclic or constant temperature conditions which represent the most
severe operating conditions within the materiel’s anticipated LCEP. Operating
conditions typically involve meteorological environments; however, induced thermal
environments are possible for certain materiel installations. The guidance on
Meteorological Conditions (paragraph 3.2.1.) or Induced Conditions (paragraph 3.2.2.)
should be employed as appropriate. Unless otherwise justified by the materiel’s
requirements documents, temperature profiles in Table A-1 or A-2 of Annex A should
be used, with the most severe climatic category selected in accordance with the
materiel’s anticipated LCEP.
Select the constant temperature conditions which represent the most severe transition
between stand-by (storage or transport) and the materiel’s operating environment
within the materiel’s anticipated LCEP. Stand-by conditions typically involve induced
thermal environments, while the operating conditions typically involve meteorological
environments. The guidance on both Meteorological Conditions (paragraph 3.2.1.) and
Induced Conditions (paragraph 3.2.2.) should be employed as appropriate.
Determine the duration of exposure that the materiel will experience for each of the
exposure conditions identified in the materiel’s anticipated LCEP. The duration of
exposure to high temperature(s) is as important as the temperature itself.
3.4. HUMIDITY
In certain cases, low relative humidity (less than 10 %) can have a significant effect on
the physical or electrostatic properties of certain types of materials (e.g., electronic
equipment, polymeric composites, and rubber seals). In such instances, controlling the
relative humidity to the values listed in Tables A-1 or A-2 of Annex A should be
conducted for the appropriate climatic category. If the materiel is not sensitive to dry
environments, relative humidity control during the high temperature tests is not
necessary.
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1. In addition to the information found within Method 300, the following information
is required to conduct the test(s) described in this method and shall be recorded in the
test instructions:
c. The test duration (time or number of cycles) at high temperature for each
test procedure selected.
2. The following information may be required to conduct the test(s) and shall be
recorded in the test instructions when applicable:
In addition to the information found within Method 300, the following information is
required to verify the completion of the test(s) described in this method and shall be
recorded in the test report:
4.2.1. Pre-Test
(2) Record of the test item temperature-versus-time for the entire test
duration including all pre-test and post-test conditioning periods.
(7) For Procedure III, a record of the time required for the test item to
become operational following transition to the operational high
temperature.
(8) List of any test interruptions or deviations from the original test
plan.
4.2.3. Post-Test
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In addition to the instructions found within Method 300, determine the information
specified in paragraph 4.1 and ensure that plans are in place to gather the
information required by paragraph 4.2 before starting any test procedure.
1. The test facility shall have an environmental conditioning chamber, along with
auxiliary equipment, capable of maintaining and monitoring the required conditions of
high temperature (and low humidity, where required) throughout an envelope of air
surrounding the test item(s). The chamber shall have sufficient heating and cooling
capacity to maintain the test temperature(s) during materiel operation (with
consideration given to heat dissipating materiel) as well as when test personnel are
operating within the chamber (as applicable).
2. For test materiel with engines (e.g., vehicles) that are required to operate during
testing, the test facility shall be capable of monitoring and exhausting noxious fumes,
such as carbon-monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Similar safety equipment
should be used if testing materials that off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at
high temperatures.
1. The orientation of the test item in the test chamber should, as much as possible,
simulate the actual configuration of the materiel in its storage, transport, or operational
use, as applicable to each test procedure. For heat dissipating materiel, consideration
to the impact of the test item’s orientation on the convective (forced or natural) flow
patterns shall be made to ensure that heat transfer is not being artificially enhanced or
restricted by the test set-up. This is particularly important for materiel with exhaust
plumes, fans, and heat exchangers as well as for stacked materiel.
2. Where heat exchange by radiation is significant, the orientation of the test item
relative to other radiative bodies is critical, along with their surface radiative properties.
The orientation (view factors) may have to be adjusted to simulate actual deployment
conditions (see Method 305 for further guidance on testing where radiative heat
exchange is predominant).
5.3.4. Instrumentation
5.4. TOLERANCES
5.5. CONTROLS
In addition to the instructions found within Method 300, consider the following
instructions specific to this method:
5.5.1. Temperature
Maintain the chamber air temperature as specified in the test plan and within the
specified test tolerances. Keep the air temperature uniform in the immediate vicinity of
the item. To adequately measure the temperature of the air surrounding the test item,
it is recommended to place verification sensors at representative points around the test
item and as close to the test item as possible, while avoiding boundary layer
influences. Unless otherwise specified, use a rate of temperature change no greater
than 3 °C per minute to prevent thermal shock.
5.5.2. Airflow
Ensure sufficient airflow around the test item to maintain a uniform air temperature in
the immediate vicinity of the test item. For heat dissipating materiel that will be
sheltered from sources of external airflow (either enclosed items or items likely to
encounter negligible wind) it is recommended that the test item be likewise sheltered
from airflow during testing in order to accurately evaluate the test item’s peak response
temperature.
Following any test interruption scenario, consider the following instructions specific to
this method in addition to the instructions found within Method 300. All relevant
stakeholder(s) should be consulted following a test interruption and prior to continuing
testing.
For an unscheduled test-interruption that causes the test conditions to fall out of
allowable tolerances toward standard ambient conditions (i.e., environmental stress
less severe than specified) the test may be resumed as follows:
Step 3. Expose the test item to the high temperature (and low humidity, if
applicable) storage or transport profile specified in the test plan.
Continue the cyclic or constant temperature exposure for the
duration specified in the test plan (see Chapter 3 for guidance on
test severities).
Step 5. Visually examine the test item (and packaging if applicable) to the
greatest extent practical to identify any changes from pre-test
conditions. Document the condition of the test item and include
photographs (see instructions in Chapter 4).
Step 6. Unless otherwise specified in the test plan, place the test item in
an operational configuration and conduct a functional test of the
test item to identify any changes from pre-test conditions.
Document the results (see instructions in Chapter 4).
Step 1. Place the test item in its operational configuration and install it in
the test chamber (see guidance in paragraph 5.3). Unless
otherwise specified in the test plan, the test item should be
physically in an operational configuration, but not operating (i.e.,
powered off). Install any additional sensors to determine test item
stabilization, as well as to evaluate any temperature changes
during operation. Ensure all heat dissipating components are
monitored. Install any additional sensors as required by the test
plan. Document the set up and include photographs (see
instructions in Chapter 4).
Step 7. Visually examine the test item to the greatest extent practical to
identify any changes from pre-test conditions. Document the
condition of the test item and include photographs (see
instructions in Chapter 4).
Step 1. Place the test item in its tactical standby, storage, or transport
configuration, as applicable, and install it in the test chamber (see
guidance in paragraph 5.3). Install any additional temperature
sensors to determine test item stabilization as well as to evaluate
any temperature changes during operation. Ensure all heat
dissipating components are monitored. Install any additional
sensors as required by the test plan. Document set up, including
photographs (see instructions in Chapter 4).
Step 7. Visually examine the test item to the greatest extent practical to
identify any changes from pre-test conditions. Document the
condition of the test item, including photographs (see instructions
in Chapter 4).
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Table A-1: Meteorological High Temperature Diurnal Cycles (from AECTP 230)
Time A1 A2 A3
of Relative Relative Relative
Day Air Air Air
Temperature Humidity Temperature Humidity Temperature Humidity
°C (RH) °C (RH) °C (RH)
% % %
01:00 35 6 33 36 30 69
02:00 34 7 32 38 29 72
03:00 34 7 32 43 29 74
04:00 33 8 31 44 28 76
05:00 33 8 30 44 28 78
06:00 32 8 30 44 28 78
07:00 33 8 31 41 29 74
08:00 35 6 34 34 30 67
09:00 38 6 37 29 31 59
10:00 41 5 39 24 34 51
11:00 43 4 41 21 36 47
12:00 44 4 42 18 37 45
13:00 47 3 43 16 38 44
14:00 48 3 44 15 38 43
15:00 48 3 44 14 39 43
16:00 49 3 44 14 39 44
17:00 48 3 43 14 38 46
18:00 48 3 42 15 37 48
19:00 46 3 40 17 35 50
20:00 42 4 38 20 34 53
21:00 41 5 36 22 34 56
22:00 39 6 35 25 32 59
23:00 38 6 34 28 32 63
24:00 37 6 33 33 31 66
Table A-2: Induced High Temperature Diurnal Cycles (from AECTP 230)
Time A1 A2 A3
of Relative
Air Relative Air Air Relative
Day Humidity1
Temperature Humidity1 Temperature Temperature Humidity
°C (RH) °C (RH) °C (RH)
% % %
01:00 35 6 33 36 31
02:00 34 7 32 38 29 See
03:00 34 7 32 41 29 Note 2
04:00 33 8 31 44 28
05:00 33 8 30 44 28
06:00 33 8 31 43 29
07:00 36 8 34 47 31
08:00 40 6 38 30 35
09:00 44 6 42 23 40
10:00 51 5 45 17 44
11:00 56 4 51 14 50
12:00 63 4 57 8 54
13:00 69 3 61 6 56
14:00 70 3 63 6 58
15:00 71 3 63 5 58
16:00 70 3 62 6 56
17:00 67 3 60 6 53
18:00 63 3 57 6 50
19:00 55 3 50 10 46
20:00 48 4 44 14 41
21:00 41 5 38 19 37
22:00 39 6 35 25 34
23:00 37 6 34 28 33
24:00 35 6 33 33 32
METHOD 303
LOW TEMPERATURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 303
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 303
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
a. This Method is used when the requirements documents state that the
materiel is likely to be deployed in regions in which the climatic
conditions will induce low temperatures (below standard ambient) within
the materiel. If the effects of low temperature on the materiel are being
determined during other tests for the required extremes and durations
(including manipulation), it is not necessary to perform this test.
b. Although not written for such, this Method may be used in conjunction
with shock and vibration tests (AECTP 400) to evaluate the effects of
dynamic events (e.g., shipping, handling, and shock) on cold, embrittled
materiel.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
c. This Method does not address the effects of snow, ice or wind as
encountered during natural low temperature exposure.
d. This Method does not intentionally address the effects of frost, because
this would require a controlled source of moisture.
1.4. DEFINITION
For the purpose of this document, manipulation is defined as the actions necessary
to convert the materiel from a storage to an operational configuration, operate it, and
return it to its storage configuration.
2. TEST GUIDANCE
2.1.1. Physical
b. Dimensional changes.
d. Failure of seals.
l. Difficulty of manipulation.
2.1.2. Chemical
2.1.3. Electrical
See Method 300 Chapters 1 and 8. There are three test procedures in this method:
storage, operating and manipulating. All three tests can be conducted if appropriate.
This procedure is used to assess the possible effect of storage of the materiel at low
temperatures upon its performance and safety in use. The test can be carried out in
two different ways:
This procedure is used to assess the possible effect of exposure to low temperature
upon the operational performance of the materiel and upon safety in use. This test
will, in most cases, be preceded by a storage test, and may also be preceded by or
combined with a manipulation test. The test can be carried out in two different ways
as in paragraph 2.2.1.
For this test, the test item is exposed to the same temperatures as for the constant
temperature operating test. This procedure is used to:
The most significant parameters used in this test method are temperature and
exposure time. It is also important in this test procedure to specify the operational
configuration of the test item, as well as whether or not the test item is heat
dissipating during operation. Although the natural low temperature environment is
normally cyclic, in some instances it is acceptable to use a constant low temperature
test. In those instances where design assessment suggests that exposure to varying
low temperatures may be important, the appropriate cold cycles from AECTP 200,
Category 230 are recommended. Typical low temperature data extracted from
AECTP 200, Category 230 (for consideration if measured data are not available) are
provided in Table 1. These data should not be used without reference to source
documents (AECTP 200, Category 230 or equivalent national documents) that
provide guidance on their significance. Consideration should be given to the need or
otherwise for operation of materiel at very low temperatures, i.e., below -46 °C.
CAUTION: When temperature conditioning, ensure the total test time at the
most severe temperature does not exceed the life expectancy of any material.
See Method 300 Chapter 4.
Derive the time of materiel exposure to low temperatures from the deployment
requirements, and consider it in conjunction with the materiel characteristics. There
is evidence that prolonged storage of restrained glass and organic plastics may result
in deterioration. Static fatigue of restrained glass, for example, has been
documented1,2 after long periods of low temperature exposure. Data from these
sources suggest that the breaking stress for glass will be reduced by approximately
50% in 72 hours. For such material, a minimum storage test of 72 hours following
stabilization of the test item is recommended. For other materials, there is no
evidence to support deterioration following temperature stabilization. Prolonged
storage testing following stabilization may not be necessary; a 4-hour soak following
stabilization of the test item should be sufficient. If it is considered that
thermo-mechanical stressing may present a significant problem, cyclic temperature
testing may be appropriate. The number of cycles should be sufficient to reproduce
the low temperature response of the previous cycle within 2 °C. Use of a greater
number of cycles may give information on low temperature aging characteristics of
the materiel or, for example, on the effects of leakage around seals between
dissimilar materials.
As a general rule, the operational test will take place after the storage, and during or
after the manipulation test, but this may vary because of life cycle considerations.
Although cyclic temperatures are normal, the application of cyclic testing at low
temperature levels (except near the freezing point of water) rarely provides any
known advantage over steady state testing. However, if the test item is exposed to
temperature cycles, a minimum of three cycles will normally be required to achieve
maximum response of the test item.
The conditions for this test will depend upon how the materiel is used and the test
item configuration. The important issue is that the test item is exercised at the low
operating temperature.
1
Glass Engineering Handbook, 2nd Edition, E.B. Shand, 1958, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New -
York.
2 The Properties of Glass, 2nd Edition, G.W. Morey, 1954, Reinhold Publ.Corp.
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
4.2. CONTROLS
4.4. PROCEDURES
The following test procedures, alone or in combination, (see Figure 1) may be used to
determine the performance of the materiel in a cold environment. Conduct the
operational checks after both the storage and manipulation tests for comparison with
pretest data. For situations in which cyclic low temperatures are desired, replace the
steady state steps with the cyclic temperature exposure related to the real life
exposure of the materiel at the low anticipated temperature for either storage or
operation (whichever is appropriate).
Before starting any of the test procedures, determine the information specified in
Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified
in Method 300 Chapter 2. Ensure that any fluids included as part of the test item are
those appropriate for the temperature range of the test.
Step 1. Place the test item in its storage configuration and install it in the
test chamber. If appropriate, the configuration may include
loading (actual or simulated) to simulate normal stacking
configurations.
Step 4. If required, visually examine the test item to the extent practical,
while at the lowest temperature from step 3.
Step 1. With the test item in its operating configuration, adjust the
chamber air temperature to the low operating temperature of the
test item as specified in the test plan. Maintain until temperature
stabilization of the test item has been achieved.
Step 3. Conduct an operational check of the test item and document the
results.
Step 1. With the test item in its operating configuration, adjust the
chamber air temperature to the initial temperature of the
specified cycle and maintain until the test item has stabilized.
Step 7. With the test item not operating, stabilize the test item at
standard ambient conditions.
Step 1. With the test item in the test chamber in its storage configuration,
stabilize the test item at its low operating temperature derived, if
necessary, from paragraph 4.4.3.2.
Step 2. While maintaining the low operating temperature, place the test
item in its normal operating configuration using one of the
following options based on the type of test chamber available:
Step 5. With the test item still in the chamber, repeat the options of Step
2 above while disassembling the test item and repacking it in its
normal shipping/storage container(s), transit case, or other mode
and configuration. It is not necessary to replace any stacking
loads.
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TABLE 1: Typical Low Temperature Data (from AECTP 200, Category 230)
C3 -51 -51
C4 -57 -57
(*) These categories are described in AECTP 200, Category 230 and are
comparable to those found in national standards.
YES
manipulation
test ?
NO
PROCEDURE I PROCEDURE II PROCEDURE III
NO
step 1 cyclic ? L.O.T.(1)
step 2 known ?
YES
cyclic temperature ?
NO YES
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METHOD 304
AIR TO AIR THERMAL SHOCK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 304
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 304
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The main objectives of the thermal shock test are to determine if:
1.2. APPLICATION
This test method is used when the requirements documents specify that the materiel is
likely to be deployed where sudden significant changes of air temperature may be
experienced (see paragraph 2.3.1). This Method is only intended to evaluate the
effects of sudden temperature changes of the outer surfaces of materiel, items
mounted on the outer surfaces, or internal items situated near the external surfaces.
Typically, this addresses:
This method may also be used to reveal safety problems and potential flaws in materiel
normally exposed to less extreme conditions, as long as the design limitations of the
materiel are not exceeded.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
a. This Method is not intended for materiel that will not experience sudden
extreme air temperature changes because of its packaging, installed
location, or other such configurations that would shield the materiel from
significant temperature changes.
c. This Method has not been designed to address the temperature shock
experienced by materiel that is transferred between air and liquid or
between two liquids, materiel that is exposed to rain following solar
heating, or materiel that is exposed to heat from a fire and then cooled
with water.
d. This Method does not address the thermal shocks produced by the
internal generation of heat.
e. This Method does not address the thermal shock caused by rapid warm-
up by engine compressor bleed air.
2. TEST GUIDANCE
2.1.1. Physical
h. Failure of insulation.
2.1.2. Chemical
a. Separation of constituents.
2.1.3. Electrical
1. See Method 300 Chapters 1 and 8. There are two procedures. Procedure I
employs constant temperature at each of the extreme shock conditions because, in
many instances, the thermal shock itself so outweighs the other thermal effects that the
test may be performed using two constant temperatures. This is particularly the case
when more severe shocks are desired, such as for evaluation of safety or initial design
and when extreme values will be used. When a careful simulation of a real
environment is required, Procedure II can be used because the upper temperature
follows part of an appropriate diurnal cycle. The test conditions that are used during
either procedure are determined from:
See Method 300 Chapters 1, 4, and 8. The test conditions as presented in this
procedure are intended to be in general agreement with other extremes described in
this document. The primary purpose in establishing these levels is to provide realistic
conditions for the transfer between the two temperature extremes. The temperature of
the test item before transfer must be the most realistic extreme that would be
encountered during the specific operation. Response temperatures achieved when
materiel is exposed to the conditions of the various climatic categories may be
obtained from the test results of high temperature exposure for either the operational or
storage configuration (see Method 302). The latter assumption must consider the
induced effects of solar radiation during storage and transit in various climates.
Both the total temperature change expected in service and the materials involved must
be evaluated to determine the need to perform this test. The temperature levels are
determined in relation to the use of materiel that has been previously defined. They
may be obtained from special measurements (response temperatures from the High
and Low Temperature operational tests), or extracted or derived from AECTP 200,
Leaflet 2311 or equivalent national standards. For safety or design evaluation,
temperature levels may have more extreme values than these.
The transfer time must reflect the time associated with the actual thermal shock in the
life cycle profile. If the transfer takes more than one minute, the extra time must be
justified.
2.3.3. Humidity
For most test programs, relative humidity is not controlled. Relative humidity may have
a significant influence on some materiel (e.g., cellulosic materials that are typically
porous, into which moisture can migrate and then expand upon freezing) during the
thermal shock test. This must be considered and special measurements (if available)
or the data of AECTP 200, Leaflet 2311 should be used as a basis.
2.3.4. Stabilization
Since this method is intended to evaluate those portions of materiel that can respond
rapidly to external temperature changes, expose the test item to the temperature
extremes for a duration representative primarily of the realistic worst case (life cycle
profile), but also taking into account the time taken to achieve thermal stabilization of
the areas on or near the external surfaces of the test item.
For a test item that is likely to be exposed only rarely to thermal shock, one shock is
recommended for each appropriate condition. There is little available data to
substantiate a specific number of shocks when more frequent exposure is expected.
In lieu of better information, a minimum of three shocks should be applied at each
condition, the number depending primarily on the anticipated service events.
The nature of this test precludes extensive performance evaluation while thermal
shock conditions exist. Operational evaluation will, in most cases, be limited to
irreversible effects or simple "go/no go" performance indications that can be quickly
observed.
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In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, document the actual
transfer times from the time that the chamber door is opened, to the time that the door
of the second test section is closed.
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test conditions, test facility, and test control
information.
Unless otherwise specified or impractical due to the thermal mass of the test item, the
chamber(s) or compartments to be used must be equipped so that after transfer of the
test item, the desired test air temperature within the chamber can be achieved within 5
minutes. Chamber airflows of up to 6 m/s may be required in order to optimize heat
transfer rates.
4.2. CONTROLS
If an interruption occurs during the transfer, the test item must be re-stabilized at the
previous temperature and then transferred.
4.4. PROCEDURES
The procedures depicted in Figures 1 and 2 arbitrarily begin with the lower
temperature, but could be reversed to begin with the higher temperature if it is more
realistic. Specific points in Figures 1 and 2 (in parentheses) are referenced in the
following text.
Before starting either of the test procedures, determine the information specified in
Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified in
Method 300 Chapter 2.
Step 1. With the test item in the chamber, adjust the chamber air
temperature to the low temperature extreme specified in the test
Step 2. Transfer the test item in no more than one minute (b-c) to an
atmosphere at temperature T2 that will produce the thermal shock
specified in the test plan, and maintain this temperature as
specified in the test plan (c-e).
Step 3. If required in the test plan, evaluate the effects of the thermal
shock on the test item to the extent practical (see paragraph 2.4).
Step 4. If other cycles in reversed directions are required, transfer the test
item to the T1 environment in no more than one minute (e-f) and
stabilize as required in the test plan (f-b), evaluate the thermal
shock effects (if required), and continue as in steps 2 and 3
above. If other one-way shocks are required, return the test item
to the T1 environment at a rate not exceeding 3 °C per minute and
repeat steps 1-3. If no other shocks are required, go to Step 5.
Step 6. Examine the test item and, if appropriate, operate. Record the
results for comparison with pretest data.
Step 1. With the test item in the chamber, adjust the chamber air
temperature to the low temperature extreme specified in the test
plan (a). Maintain this temperature for a period as determined in
the test plan (a-b).
Step 2. Transfer the test item to the maximum air temperature of the high
temperature cycle (c) (as specified in the test plan) in no more
than one minute. As soon as the chamber door is closed and the
high temperature is restored, cycle the chamber through part of
the appropriate diurnal cycle until the chamber reaches the test
item response temperature (d) (obtained according to Method
302, paragraph 2.3.2). Maintain this temperature as specified in
the test plan (d-e).
Step 3. If no other cycles are required, return the test item to standard
ambient conditions and proceed to step 7; otherwise proceed to
step 4.
Step 4. Transfer the test item to the lower temperature environment (f) in
no more than one minute and stabilize as required in the test plan
(f-h). If other cycles are required, proceed to step 6.
Step 5. If no other cycles are required, return the test item to standard
ambient conditions, and proceed to step 7.
Step 7. Examine the test item and, if appropriate, operate. Record the
results for comparison with pretest data.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Temperature
c e
T2
<3 °C/min
Standard
ambient
<3°C/min Time
< 3 °C/min
a b f g
T1
1 minute max.
c
Test item
response e
d
< 3 °C/min
Standard
ambient
Time
< 3 °C/min < 3 °C/min
a b f g
T1
1 minute max.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
METHOD 305
SOLAR RADIATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. SCOPE............................................................................................... 1-1
1.1. PURPOSE ................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2. APPLICATION........................................................................................... 1-1
1.3. LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................ 1-1
CHAPTER 2. TEST GUIDANCE .............................................................................. 2-1
2.1. EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ........................................................ 2-1
2.1.1. Actinic Effects ..................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2. Heating Effects ................................................................................... 2-1
2.2. CHOICE OF TEST PROCEDURE ............................................................ 2-2
2.2.1. Procedure I - Cycling (Thermal Effects) ............................................. 2-3
2.2.2. Procedure II - Steady State (Actinic Effects) ...................................... 2-3
2.3. CHOICE OF TEST PARAMETERS........................................................... 2-3
2.3.1. Temperature Levels ........................................................................... 2-3
2.3.2. Test Duration ...................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.3. Test Item Orientation .......................................................................... 2-4
2.3.4. Substrate ............................................................................................ 2-4
2.3.5. Solar Irradiance .................................................................................. 2-5
2.4. SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTION - SEA LEVEL v
HIGH GROUND ELEVATIONS ................................................................. 2-5
CHAPTER 3. INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED IN
THE TEST iNSTRUCTION ................................................................. 3-1
CHAPTER 4. TEST CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES ........................................ 4-1
4.1. TEST FACILITY ........................................................................................ 4-1
4.2. CONTROLS .............................................................................................. 4-1
4.2.1. Temperature Measurement ................................................................ 4-1
4.2.2. Measurement of Solar Radiation ........................................................ 4-1
4.2.3. Surface Contamination ....................................................................... 4-2
4.2.4. Air Velocity ......................................................................................... 4-3
4.3. TEST INTERRUPTIONS ........................................................................... 4-3
4.3.1. Undertest Interruptions ....................................................................... 4-3
4.4. PROCEDURES ......................................................................................... 4-3
4.4.1. Preparation for Test............................................................................ 4-3
4.4.2. Procedure I - Cycling. (Figure 1) ....................................................... 4-4
4.4.3. Procedure II - Steady State. (Figure 2).............................................. 4-4
CHAPTER 5. EVALUATION OF THE TEST RESULTS ........................................... 5-1
CHAPTER 6. REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS ................................. 6-1
ANNEX A DETAILED GUIDANCE ON SOLAR RADIATION TESTING ............. A-1
A.1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... A-1
A.2. IRRADIANCE AND SPECTRAL DISTRIBUTION...................................... A-1
A.2.1. Irradiance ........................................................................................... A-1
A.2.2. Spectral Distribution - Sea Level Versus High Altitude ....................... A-1
A.3. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED ............... A-1
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 305
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 305
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The main objective of this solar radiation test is to determine the actinic
(photodegradation) and heating effects of solar radiation on materiel when it is exposed
to sunshine during operation or during unsheltered storage at ground level.
1.2. APPLICATION
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This Method does not represent the heating that occurs in enclosed area storage. This
test method does not consider all of the effects related to the natural environment (see
Annex A, paragraph 7.2) and, therefore, it is preferable to test materiel at appropriate
natural sites. This Method shall be used when the spectrum of the lamp bank has
been measured and conforms to the spectrum identified in Table 1. Deviations from
Table 1 may be justified if the test requirements are based on the tailoring process, or if
a specific frequency band is of concern. Any deviation shall be detailed and justified.
NOTE: This is a very specialized, potentially hazardous set of tests (see Annex
A, paragraph 8). Experts in this area shall be consulted to define the test
specifications. In particular the spectral distribution of light sources needs to be
carefully considered with respect to spectral differences between different
sources and their impact on specific materiel.
2. TEST GUIDANCE
Solar radiation has two significant types of effects on materiel: actinic and thermal.
Certain portions of the solar spectrum are known to cause degradation of materials.
The full spectrum must be used to simulate adequately these actinic effects of solar
radiation. Some examples of deterioration caused by actinic effects are:
The heating effects of solar radiation differ from those of high air temperature alone in
that the amount of heat absorbed or reflected depends on the roughness and color of
the surface on which the radiation is incident. In addition to the differential expansion
between dissimilar materials, changes in the intensity of solar radiation may cause
components to expand or contract at different rates that can lead to severe stresses
and loss of structural integrity. Other examples of heating effects include but are not
limited to:
l. Pressure variations.
n. Difficulty in handling.
SPECTRAL REGION
to to to to to
* Note: This bandwidth may apply to either the visible or the Infrared spectrum.
See Method 300 Chapters 1 and 8. Two test procedures are proposed: cycling and
steady state. Either procedure may be used to determine actinic effects but
Procedure II reduces the test duration.
This procedure is used when the principal concern is the possibility that long periods of
exposure to sunshine will result in detrimental actinic effects. When using this
procedure, it is important that the temperature of the test item is representative that
which it would experience under natural conditions (as simulated by the cyclic test of
Procedure I). If necessary, a preliminary test should be carried out in accordance with
Procedure I to determine the maximum response temperature of the materiel. The
4-hour “lights-off” period of each 24-hour cycle allows for test item conditions (chemical
and physical) to return toward “normal” and provide some degree off thermal stress
exercising. (See Annex A, reference 25, p 84 for a more detailed explanation).
1. After having selected the most suitable test type for the desired objective, the
maximum test temperature is defined. Three values are proposed for each type of
test. They correspond to the maximum meteorological temperatures in the three
climatic categories (A1, A2, and A3) of AECTP 200, Leaflet 2311. Figure 1 shows the
daily cycle temperature and radiation variations corresponding to these three
categories for Procedure 1. The maximum air temperature for the chamber shall be
chosen according to the planned climatic categories of use of the materiel:
The test durations are expressed in numbers of 24 hour cycles in both types of tests.
The orientation of the test item relative to the direction of radiation will have a
significant impact on the heating effects. In cases where several test item components
are known to be sensitive to solar effects, the relative test item-solar source orientation
may have to be adjusted to simulate a diurnal cycle. The direction of the radiation will
also be dependent on the latitude of the expected location of the materiel.
2.3.4. Substrate
Increasing the irradiance above the specified level is not recommended because of the
danger of overheating and excessive degradation, and there is presently no indication
that attempting to accelerate the test in this way gives results that correlate with
equipment response under natural solar radiation conditions. See Annex A,
paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2.
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d. Substrate characteristics.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
See Method 300 Chapter 5. The radiation sources consist of lamps reproducing the
solar spectrum with irradiances and tolerances as indicated in Table 1 or as indicated
in the test plan. Traditional sources are described in Annex A although the spectrum
produced can only comply with the spectrum specified in Table 1 by the use of filters.
This list is not intended to exclude new lamps made available by advanced technology.
4.2. CONTROLS
In order to adequately identify the temperature of the air surrounding the test item, it
should be measured as close as possible to the test item making adequate provision
for shielding from the effects of radiant heat, both from the lamps and from the test
item. (See Annex A, paragraph 5.3 for more explanations).
4.2.2.1. Instrumentation
Periodic inspection of the radiation produced by the test facility is imperative since the
characteristics of radiation sources are numerous and change with time. Thorough
checking of the spectral distribution, the intensity and uniformity shall be conducted as
frequently as possible but at not more than 500-hour intervals. A check of the overall
intensity and uniformity (that is much easier) shall be conducted before and after every
test.
The value of 1120 W/m2 measured between 0.28 m and 3 m shall include any
radiation reflected from the test chamber walls and received by the equipment under
test, but it should not include long-wave IR radiation greater than 3 m.
Where it could have a significant effect on the final heat balance, the
equipment/radiation source shall be progressively adjusted to simulate the angular
movement of the sun (i.e., 180 degrees in 12 hours). It should be noted that intensity
measurements in AECTP 200, Leaflet 2311 refer to a flat horizontal surface, and this
should be taken into account when the sun's angular movement is being simulated.
Dust and other surface contamination may significantly change the absorption
characteristics of irradiated surfaces. Unless otherwise required, specimens should be
clean when they are tested. However, if effects of surface contamination are to be
assessed, the relevant specifications should include the necessary information on
preparation of surfaces.
The air velocity inside the enclosure must be between 0.25 m/s and 1.5 m/s to avoid
unrealistic test item temperature reduction but still maintain the required air
temperatures. Test chambers providing cooling air may be used to prevent
unrepresentative temperatures from being produced, but the guidance in paragraph 3
of Annex A should be strictly observed.
a. Procedure I (Cycling).
4.4. PROCEDURES
Before starting any of the test procedures, determine the information specified in
Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified in
Method 300 Chapter 2. For eventual comparison between pre- and post-test items,
photographs of the test item and material samples should be taken.
Step 1. Bring the air temperature in the enclosure to the minimum value
of the temperature cycle at which radiation is non-existent.
Measure the test item temperature.
Step 2. If necessary, create the initial relative humidity conditions
specified by the test program.
Step 4. Perform the operational checks on the test item at the times called
for in the test program.
Step 5. At the end of the last cycle, allow the chamber to return to
standard ambient conditions.
Step 2. Adjust the solar radiation value to the value specified in the test
program.
Step 4. Stop the radiation for 4 hours while maintaining the temperature in
the enclosure at the specified level.
Step 5. Repeat Step 2 to Step 4 for the number of cycles specified in the
test program.
Step 7. At the end of the last radiation period, allow the test item to return
to standard ambient conditions.
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VALUES ARE FROM AECTP 200, Category 230 - Temperatures of categories A1, A2 and A3 in °C, solar radiation in W/m²
Time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
(hr)
A1 35 34 34 33 33 32 33 35 38 41 43 44 47 48 48 49 48 48 46 42 41 39 38 37
A2 33 32 32 31 30 30 31 34 37 39 41 42 43 44 44 44 43 42 40 38 36 35 34 33
A3 30 29 29 28 28 28 29 30 31 34 36 37 38 38 39 39 38 37 35 34 34 32 32 31
W 0 0 0 0 0 55 270 505 730 915 1040 1120 1120 1040 915 730 505 270 55 0 0 0 0 0
°C W/m ²
55 1200
50
960
45
A1
720
A2
40
A3
W 480
35
240
30
25 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 23 24 25 26 27 28
Hours
Time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
(hr)
A1 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49 49
A2 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44
A3 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39
W 0 0 1120 0 0 0
°C W/m ²
55 1200
50
960
45
A1
720
A2
A3 40
W
480
35
240
30
25 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 23 24 25
Hours
A.1. INTRODUCTION
This Annex describes methods of simulation designed to examine the effects of solar
radiation on equipment. The main quantities to be simulated are the spectral energy
distribution of the sun as observed at the Earth's surface and the intensity of received
energy, in combination with controlled temperature conditions. However, it may be
necessary to consider a combination of solar radiation - including sky radiation - with
other environments, e.g., humidity, air velocity, etc.
The effect of radiation on the materiel will depend mainly on the level of irradiance and
its spectral distribution.
A.2.1. Irradiance
The irradiance by the sun on a plane perpendicular to the incident radiation outside the
Earth's atmosphere at the mean Earth-sun distance is known as the solar constant 'I0'
(reference l). The irradiance at the surface of the Earth is influenced by the solar
constant and the attenuation and scattering of radiation in the atmosphere. For test
purposes, a maximum intensity of 1120 W/m2 is specified to simulate the global (total)
radiation at the surface of the Earth from the sun and the sky with the sun at zenith,
based on a solar constant I0 = 1350 W/m2 (reference v). The true solar constant is
thought to be about 1365-1370 W/m2.
Attention is drawn to the possible cooling effects of airflow over materiel. This can also
result in misleading errors in open-type thermopiles used to monitor radiation intensity;
ventilation of pyranometers may be necessary to keep the glass dome cool. An airflow
of as little as one metre per second can effect a reduction in temperature rise of over
20%. In practice, high solar radiation conditions are rarely accompanied by complete
absence of wind. It may be necessary, therefore, to assess the effect of different air
velocities over materiel under test. The materiel specification should state any special
requirements in this respect. It is essential, therefore, to measure and control the rate
of airflow in order to maintain the required air temperature at the test item.
A.4.1. General
The radiation source may comprise one or more lamps and their associated optical
components, e.g., reflectors, filters, etc., to provide the required spectral distribution
and irradiance. The high-pressure xenon arc lamp with filters can provide a good
spectral match (reference a). Mercury vapor and xenon-mercury lamps have
considerable deficiencies in matching that would lead to error (references b, c and f). If
not already covered in test method characteristics of these sources, features of filters,
optical arrangements, etc., are covered in the following paragraphs. Further
information can also be found in reference b.
Because of their deficiency of ultraviolet radiation, tungsten lamps are unsuitable for
tests for degradation purposes. Serious discrepancies can also occur in results
obtained in tests for thermal effects, unless the considerable difference in spectral
energy distribution compared with natural solar radiation is taken into account. The
major part of the radiant energy from the tungsten lamp is in the infrared range, with
maximum intensity at about 1.0 m, whereas approximately 50% of solar energy is in
the visible and ultraviolet bands, i.e., at wavelengths less than 0.7 m. The quartz
halogen-type of tungsten lamp has an improved consistency of performance during its
life (reference d).
The configuration and size of the lamp(s) used will depend on the test required. The
relative spectral distribution of the xenon arc radiation has been found to be
substantially independent of lamp power (Annex A, reference c). However, variation
of lamp power will change the temperature of the electrodes and hence the spectral
distribution of the electrode radiation. With long arc lamps, it is relatively simple to
mask off the electrode radiation. The form of construction of the short arc lamp leads
to considerably wider manufacturing variation compared with the long arc, a point
particularly important when replacement becomes necessary. Routine replacement
of either type of lamp will be needed, since the emission will change continuously
with life, and there may be wide variations of the life characteristic from lamp to lamp.
Although this lamp imparts more energy in the ultraviolet range and low visible range
than specified in Table A-1, it provides a good source for tests requiring attention to
thermal effects, since the additional UV energy represents less than one per cent of
the total energy, and tests for heating effects are generally sufficiently short in
duration that actinic degradation will not be a concern. For testing actinic effects, the
energy level in the heating range will be lower than specified, as the UV levels will be
adjusted to Table A-1 levels. Since the energy level between 0.32 and 0.40 m
increases sharply as the lamp power level is reduced, power cannot be used to
adjust overall energy levels once the desired distribution has been obtained.
A.4.5. Filters
Liquid filters have certain disadvantages such as the possibility of boiling, the
temperature coefficient of spectral transmission, and long term drift in spectral
character (reference g). The present preference is for glass filters to be used, although
the characteristics of glass filters are not as accurately reproduced as those of a
chemical solution filter. Some trial and error may be necessary to compensate for
different optical densities by using different plate thicknesses (reference h). Glass
filters are proprietary articles and manufacturers should be consulted concerning the
choice of filters suitable for particular purposes. The choice will depend on the source
and its methods of use. For example, a xenon source may be test-compensated by a
combination of infrared and ultraviolet absorbing filters (reference h). Some glass
infrared filters may be prone to rapid changes in spectral characteristics when exposed
to excessive ultraviolet radiation. This deterioration may be largely prevented by
interposing the ultraviolet filter between the source and the infrared filter. Interference
type filters, that function by reflecting instead of absorbing the unwanted radiation,
(thus resulting in reduced heating of the glass), are generally more stable than
absorption filters.
Owing to the distance of the sun from the Earth, solar radiation appears at the Earth's
surface as an essentially parallel beam. Artificial sources are relatively close to the
working surface and means of directing and focusing the beam must be provided with
the aim of achieving a uniform irradiance at the measurement plane within specification
limits (i.e., 1120 W/m2 (+10, -0 W/m²)). This is difficult to achieve with a short-arc
xenon lamp with a parabolic reflector because of shadows from the lamp electrodes
and supports. Also, the incandescence of the anode can produce considerable
radiation at a much lower color temperature, slightly displaced from the main beam, if
only the arc itself is at the focus of the reflector. Uniform irradiation is more readily
achieved with a long arc lamp mounted in a parabolic 'trough' type reflector. However,
by employing very elaborate mounting techniques, it is possible to irradiate, with some
degree of uniformity, a large surface by a number of short arc xenon lamps (references
f and i). It is generally advisable to locate radiation source(s) outside the test enclosure
or chamber. This avoids possible degradation of the optical components, e.g., by high
humidity conditions, and contamination of test items by ozone that has been generated
by xenon and other types of arc lamps. Precise collimation of the radiation beam is not
normally required except for testing special materiel such as solar cells, solar tracking
devices, etc. However, some of the simulation techniques developed for space
research purposes could be adapted for Earth-surface solar radiation studies
(reference j).
A.5. INSTRUMENTATION
The type of instrument considered most suitable for monitoring the irradiance is a
pyranometer as used for measuring global (combined solar and sky) radiation on a
horizontal plane. Two types are suitable for measuring radiation from a simulated solar
source. Each depends for its operation on thermojunctions.
Total intensity checks are readily made, but detailed checks on spectral characteristics
are more difficult. Major spectral changes can be checked by inexpensive routine
measurements, using a pyranometer in conjunction with selective filters (reference n).
For checking the detailed spectral distribution characteristics of the facility, it would be
necessary to employ sophisticated spectroradiometric instrumentation. However, there
seems to be no practical instrumentation obstacle to prevent this calibration being done
either as a service by the facility manufacturer or by a visit from a national calibration
Because of the high level of radiation, it is essential that temperature sensors are
adequately shielded from radiant heating effects. This applies both to measuring air
temperatures within the test enclosure and also to monitoring test item temperatures.
For air temperature measurements, it is obviously impracticable to use the standard
'Stevenson' screen used for meteorological measurements of 'shade temperatures'
since this is too cumbersome. A suitable alternative is a thermocouple freely mounted
in a radiation shield comprising a vertical cupro-nickel tube (approximately 1.5 cm
diameter by 7 cm long), surmounted by a spaced metal hood, polished on the inside
surface and painted white on the outside. When monitoring test item temperatures,
sensors, e.g., thermocouples, should be located on the inside surfaces of the external
case and not be attached to the outside surfaces. Temperature-indicating paints and
waxes are unsuitable for monitoring the temperature of irradiated surfaces, as their
absorption characteristics will not be the same.
It must be ensured that the optical parts of the facility, lamps, reflectors, and filters, etc.
are clean. The level of irradiation over the specified measurement plane must be
measured immediately prior to each test. Any ancillary environmental conditions, e.g.,
ambient temperature, as well as air velocity and other parameters if specified, should
be monitored continuously throughout the test.
The method of mounting and the orientation of the test item relative to the direction of
radiation will have marked influences on the heating effects. The test item will probably
be required to be mounted either on raised supports or on a substrate of specified
properties, e.g., a layer of concrete of specified thickness or a sand-bed of certain
conductivity. All this and the attitude of the test item should be specified in the relevant
specification. Special attention must be paid to the surface conditions of the test item
to see that its finish is clean or in accordance with the relevant requirements. The
heating effect on the test item will be largely affected by the condition of its external
surfaces. Care must therefore be exercised in handling the test item, especially in
avoiding oil films and in ensuring that the surface finish and its underlay are fully
representative of production standards. Temperature sensors should be attached to
the test item as required (but see also paragraph 5.3).
The test item specification should indicate the permitted changes in the external
conditions and/or performance of the item under test after exposure to the required
level of irradiation for certain durations. In addition to such mandatory requirements,
the following aspects of interpretation may be considered:
The effects of exposing material to solar radiation are well documented (references p
and q) (see also paragraphs 7.2 and 7.3). Any marked differences between the
expected effects and the behavior under test conditions should be investigated and the
basic cause established, i.e., whether caused by the test equipment or procedure, or
by some peculiarity in the test item.
The maximum surface and internal temperatures attained by materiel will depend on:
e. the thermal properties of the materiel itself, e.g., surface reflectance, size
and shape, thermal conductance, and specific heat.
may be very efficient in the visible region. Furthermore, the spectral reflectance of
many materials changes sharply in the visible (producing a color sensation to the
human eye) and in the near infrared. It is important, therefore, that the spectral energy
distribution of the radiation source(s) used in any simulated test should closely
duplicate that of natural radiation.
c. The artificial tests, in general, do not simulate all the natural weathering
factors.
A.8.1. General
The complex equipment employed for solar radiation testing purposes will necessarily
call for operation and maintenance by a skilled test staff, not only to ensure the
prescribed performance of the test, but also because of the various health and safety
hazards that have to be considered.
The most obvious dangers that have to be guarded against are those associated with
the harmful effects of high intensity radiation in the near ultraviolet region. In natural
sunlight, the eyes are protected in two ways; the brightness of the sun makes it almost
impossible to look directly at it, and the ultraviolet radiation is considerably attenuated
by the atmosphere. These protections may not apply to artificial sources. The eyes
must be protected by filtered goggles or viewing apertures, particularly when setting up
the equipment (due to the point source and high UV component of these sources,
sunglasses may increase the danger). All testing personnel should be warned that
severe eye damage can result from only short exposure to unfiltered radiation from arc-
type lamps. Serious erythema (sunburn) of exposed skin will also occur. Koller
(reference d) states the ultraviolet radiation of sunlight is a major causal factor in
cancer of the skin in the white population of the USA (see also reference aa). The use
of suitable protective clothing including protection of the head and hands is therefore
highly recommended, even when working in test enclosures irradiated by filtered
sources.
Another serious health hazard arising from the use of xenon and other arc lamps is
the possible buildup of local toxic concentrations of ozone during the testing period.
However, the maximum production of ozone occurs at the initial switching on of the
lamp, and thereafter the hot envelope of the lamp tends to degrade the ozone back to
oxygen. Where forced-air cooling is employed, this cooling air should be sucked out
and removed from the building and not blown into the lamp housing. In this way, the
ozone hazard can be largely eliminated. Suitable detecting and measuring
equipment is commercially available (reference t). The combined effects of heat and
ultraviolet radiation on certain plastics (e.g., melamine laminates) may also produce
toxic fumes. Particular care should therefore be taken in the choice of materials used
in the construction of a test facility.
The use of high-pressure xenon discharge lamps as the primary radiation source can
also result in serious accidents unless a well-planned code of practice for the handling
of these arc discharge tubes has been specified and is adhered to. All such lamps
(whether hot or cold, used or new) have a liability to explode violently by reason of the
considerable internal pressure (two to three atmospheres when cold, but up to twenty
atmospheres when hot). There should be no visible dirt or oil on the envelope, so
regular cleaning with detergent and alcohol is necessary using cotton gloves and face
protection during such cleaning. When cold lamps are to be stored, the effects of
explosion may be limited by two layers of 0.25 mm thick polycarbonate sheet.
Particular care must be taken to limit the spread of chain reaction breakdowns in
multi-lamp equipments. It is possible to use armor plate glass for the dual purpose of
protection against lamp explosions and as a corrective filter. Individual lamp records
should be kept as a matter of routine so as to be able to detect abnormal
voltage/current behavior.
* Note: Radiation shorter than 0.30 m reaching the Earth's surface is insignificant.
A.9. REFERENCES
c. Smolkin, M.N., Berdikov, N.B., Zeyster, L. F., Gilevish, G., “The Spectral
Radiant Intensity of the Light of the DXeSh-10C0B and DXeR-6000
Xenon Lamps”, Soviet Journal of Optical Technology, 1968 ISS.3, p. 11.
n. Drummond, A.S., Hickey, J.R., “Measurement of the Total Flux and its
Spectral Components in Solar Simulation Systems with Special
reference to the Extra-terrestrial Radiation”, Solar Energy, 1967, Vol. 11,
No. 1.
w. Davis, A., Gardiner, D., Polymer Deg. and Stab. 1982 4, 145.
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METHOD 306
HUMID HEAT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 306
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 306
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The high humidity tests are used to determine the effects of high humidity and
temperature on materiel in storage or use.
1.2. APPLICATION
This Method is applicable to materiel likely to be stored or used wherever high levels of
relative humidity can exist, or to provide an indication of potential problems associated
with humidity. Further information on high temperatures and humidity is provided in
AECTP 200, Category 230.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This Method does not consider all of the effects related to the natural environment and,
therefore, it is preferable to test materiel at appropriate natural sites. Not all of the
"aggravated" test procedures necessarily simulate any naturally-occurring climatic
condition, but may have a relationship to high temperature and humidity conditions
anticipated in enclosed areas. The relationship of the procedures in this Method to the
effects on non-metallic materials has not been evaluated. This document does not
address condensation resulting from changes of altitude for airborne equipment.
Additionally, it does not include the synergistic effects of high humidity combined with
biological and chemical contaminants, nor does it consider situations in which liquid
water may be trapped within packages and retained for substantial periods.
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
1. Humidity has physical and chemical effects on materiel; the temperature and
humidity variations can also trigger condensation inside the materiel. Typical effects of
humid heat include:
h. Loss of elasticity.
2. Some of these effects can only be observed after a sufficient lapse of time or
are simply initiated by humid heat.
2.2. DISCUSSION
2.2.1. Synergism
The naturally-occurring, highly complex environment associated with the tropic and
sub-tropic areas of the world and other areas in which combinations of high
temperature and relative humidity are found, cannot be duplicated in a laboratory
chamber. Bacteria, fungus, chemical contaminants, etc., combine to form an
environment that is unique to warm, humid climates. Exaggerated synergistic effects
can also exist within closed containers/spaces, and may include contamination from
various sources.
Two test duration approaches are included. The first is to expose the test item to
realistic combinations of temperature and humidity for periods of time directly
corresponding to the service exposure. While this has the advantage giving some
correlation between laboratory and service results, test durations may become
prohibitively long. The next alternative is to expose the test item to exaggerated
temperature and humidity conditions for a relatively short test duration. This approach
using test time compression has the disadvantage of not being able to determine if
laboratory test results correspond to actual service exposure.
This test simulates the temperature and humidity variations for the number of 24-hour
cycles specified in the test program. It represents the storage and transit cycles of the
B2 (wet-hot) and B3 (humid-hot coastal desert) climatic areas detailed in AECTP 200,
Leaflet 2311. The cycles proposed for conducting this test are the so-called "induced"
conditions when the materiel is used or stored in these regions in places having little or
no ventilation (closed light-duty shelter, for example), but are influenced by diurnal
variations. Another cycle that is more severe than the induced cycles is also proposed.
It is used when it is necessary to detect quickly the potential weak points in the
materiel. The cyclic test is more suitable for revealing the effects of condensation and
breathing (see Annex A).
This test simulates the relatively stable temperature and humidity conditions of the
natural environment observed in some warm tropical, wooded, and very rainy areas
characteristic of the B1 (wet-warm) climatic area detailed in AECTP 200, Category
230. It is also used to simulate the conditions encountered inside certain poorly
ventilated enclosed spaces. Steady state testing is more suitable for revealing the
effects of absorption and adsorption phenomena (see Annex A).
The choice of the test type and its associated parameters can be made based on the
environmental requirements for the materiel, the zone and the expected use
circumstances, the safety and criteria for acceptability of the materiel to be tested, and
the expected duration of the exposure to humid heat. Test type 1 should be selected if
the materiel is exposed to a cyclic thermal environment, and test type 2 when the
thermal environment is essentially unchanging.
NOTE: When making this choice it is important to review all the foreseeable
cases of use of the materiel in order to select only the most severe
environments/tests.
2.4.1. Temperature-humidity
a. For the hot, humid climatic regions of the world, the cycle should be
chosen from Table 1 for category B2 (cycle 1) and B3 (cycle 2), that
represent diurnal temperature and humidity conditions encountered when
the thermal effects of the sun must be considered, when humidity is high,
and when ventilation is inadequate.
b. The aggravated cycle (cycle 3) is shown in Figure 1. This cycle does not
attempt to simulate the meteorological cycle. It yields information more
quickly on the effects of humid heat on materiel. The temperature and
associated humidity levels are generally higher than those encountered
in nature, and the duration of exposure to high humidity is longer in each
cycle. This cycle helps to identify the parts of the materiel having
potential weaknesses.
Relatively constant warm or hot highly humid conditions occur both naturally and as a
result of inadequate ventilation in enclosed areas where cyclic solar loading is not a
factor. For enclosed spaces, measured parameters should be used. For tests when
measured data may not be available, the following parameters (from IEC Publication
68, Part 2.1, Test Ca) are recommended: Temperature: 55 °C, Relative humidity:
95%. These parameters do not necessarily simulate any real environment, but will
create a relatively severe environment that may be used to reveal potential problem
areas.
1. Two methods for the determination of test duration are given. The first
(preferred) method (paragraphs 2.4.2.a & b) requires knowledge of chemistry together
with some expertise in the type of materiel under consideration. The second method
(paragraph 2.4.2.c) involves an arbitrary choice of test duration from a table for which
some guidance is given. It is recommended that the second method be used only if
the relevant knowledge and/or expertise are not available, or it is not necessary to
assess the life of the materiel.
NOTE: For materiel that is expected to be used often, frequent test item checks
are recommended (especially during long duration tests) for the early
identification of problems, so that testing may be stopped without wasted test
time. This approach is not recommended for materiel likely to be subjected to
long, dormant periods.
k1 E 1 1
Acceleration factor = = e- R T 1 - T 2
k2
Where:
E = activation energy (J mol-1)
R = universal gas constant (8.314 J mol-1 K-1)
T1 = test temperature (K)
T2 = average storage temperature (K)
k1 = rate of reaction at temperature T1
k2 = rate of reaction at temperature T2
loss of accuracy, and a short computer program may be used to solve the Arrhenius
equation where T varies cyclically.
b. In most cases, the test cycle conditions compare with the worst natural
conditions. They can, therefore, only be considered an accelerated test
when compared with average year-round conditions for the same
climatic area. In such cases, acceleration factors of 2 to 5 are
appropriate, the actual factor depending on the likely failure mode(s)
(see above together with probability data given in AECTP 200,
Category 230). Where all or most of the storage is to be in significantly
less severe conditions than those of the test, higher acceleration factors
are appropriate.
Table 2: Durations
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See Method 300 Chapter 5. The inside of the enclosure must be designed in such a
way as to prevent condensation from falling on the test item from the ceiling or walls.
The enclosure must be vented to the atmosphere to prevent pressure buildup inside
the enclosure.
4.2. CONTROLS
a. Monitoring and control of the humidity inside the test enclosure must be
accomplished by using psychrometric systems or with sensors that are
not affected by condensation.
b. The speed of the air across the psychrometric sensors must be at least
4.5 m/s in order to achieve the required evaporation and sensor
response. (Diffusers can be used to obtain this speed in the vicinity of
the probe.) Deflectors or screens can be installed around the test item
if necessary. In order to prevent heating of the psychrometer sensors,
the sensors shall be either installed upstream of any fan used to create
the air velocity, or far enough downstream to not be affected by fan
heat.
d. Water used for both generating humidity and for wet bulb socks must be
essentially free of contaminants. Follow the guidance provided in
Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4.
Before beginning the test, determine the information specified in Method 300
Chapters 4 and 6, and conduct the test preparation procedure specified in Method 300
Chapter 2.
This test consists of a 24-hour conditioning period (to ensure all items at any intended
climatic location will start with the same conditions), followed by a repeating 24-hour
temperature and humidity cycle for the number of cycles specified in the test plan.
Step 1. With the test item installed in the test chamber in its required
configuration, adjust the temperature to 23 ± 2 °C and
50 ± 5% RH, and maintain for 24 hours.
NOTE: This step may be omitted if the number of cycles to be carried out during
the test is sufficient to make the conditioning irrelevant.
Step 3. Perform the required temperature and humidity cycle for the
number of cycles specified in the test plan.
This test consists of a 24-hour conditioning period (to ensure all items at any intended
climatic location will start with the same conditions), followed by subjecting the test item
to stabilized temperature and humidity conditions for a given period of time.
Step 1. With the test item installed in the test chamber in its required
configuration, adjust the temperature to 23 ± 2 °C and
50 ± 5% RH, and maintain for 24 hours.
Step 3. Maintain the required test conditions for the time specified in the
test plan.
Step 4. If required, operate the test item and record the results.
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70
65
60
55
50
Temp C
45
40
35
30
25
20
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52
Time (hrs)
NOTE: Maintain the relative humidity at 95 4% at all times except that during
the descending temperature periods the relative humidity may drop to as low
as 85%.
A.1. CONDENSATION
a. The dew point depends on the quantity of water vapor in the air. The
dew point, the absolute humidity and the vapor pressure are directly
interdependent.
c. If the test item has a low thermal constant, condensation can only occur if
the air temperature increases abruptly, or if the relative humidity is close
to 100%.
A.2. ADSORPTION
A.3. ABSORPTION
A.4. DIFFUSION
A.5. BREATHING
Breathing is air exchange between a hollow space and its surroundings caused by
temperature variations. This commonly induces condensation inside the hollow space.
METHOD 307
IMMERSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 307
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 307
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
1.3. LIMITATIONS
Immersion tests are not intended to be used for buoyant items unless the life cycle
profile identifies specific applications where restraints (including stacking) could hold
the materiel under water.
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
2.2. GENERAL
2.3. SEQUENCE
See Method 300 Chapter 8. Performing the immersion test before and after
structural tests such as shock and vibration will aid in determining the test item's
resistance to dynamic tests.
See Method 300 Chapters 1, 4, and 8. This method incorporates the following
variable parameters to be used as appropriate:
a. Conditioning temperature.
c. Duration of immersion.
2.4.1. Conditioning
This test usually includes heating of the test item to establish a pressure differential
(on cooling) to determine whether the seals or gaskets leak under relatively low
pressure differential, and to induce expansion/contraction of materials.
a. Three options are provided for the conditioning of the test item:
For testing the integrity of a test item, a 1 m representative covering depth should be
chosen, or an equivalent pressure be applied. The relevant depth/pressure equation
follows:
P = 9.8d
P = pressure in kPa.
NOTE: The equivalent head of seawater is 0.975 times the head of fresh water
for the same pressure difference.
test may be appropriate. In this case, depths should be specified as being measured
from the base of the materiel rather than from the top as in paragraph 2.4.2.1.
The fording test may also be used to cover the requirements of STANAG 2805,
"Minimum Fordability and Floatation Requirements for Tactical Vehicles and Guns,
and Minimum Immersion Requirements for Combat Equipment Normally Installed or
Carried in Open Vehicles or Trailers" in which the following depths are prescribed
It is essential that all tactical vehicles and guns, either with built-in waterproofing or by
the use of waterproofing kits, should be able to deep ford six (6) minutes in fresh or
salt water, to the depths indicated below (the depth to take into account ramp angle
as well as wave height):
a. Fully enclosed armored vehicles should be able to deep ford to the top of
the turret. (Alternatively, these vehicles to be fitted with flotation
equipment.)
a. S-280 shelter: 53 cm
b. S-250 shelter: 76 cm
The duration of immersion should typify that anticipated during use. If this duration is
unknown, a 30-minute immersion period is considered adequate to develop leakage
if it is to occur. Fording durations (other than as specified in paragraph 2.4.3.2)
should be a minimum of one hour, and may be extended if justified by the anticipated
life cycle profile.
2.4.6. Temperature
Experience has shown that a temperature differential between the test item and the
water can affect the outcome (leakage) of an immersion test. Increasing the test item
temperature above the water temperature may be more realistic and will give a more
reliable verification of its watertightness. Establishing a specific temperature
differential for fording tests is often impractical due to the size of the materiel.
In addition to the information specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, the water
and test item temperatures are required, as well as fording/immersion depths and
durations.
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
c. A water soluble dye such as fluorescein may be added to the water to aid
in locating water leaks.
4.2. CONTROLS
See Method 306 Chapter 7. Treat an interruption that results in less severe
conditions than specified as a "no test." The test item should be dried and the entire
test procedure repeated from the beginning. Any failure discovered during an
undertest condition should be treated as a failure. If more severe conditions than
intended are applied and a failure results, the test shall be repeated, if possible, on a
replacement item. If no failure occurs, the test need not be repeated.
Before starting the test procedure, determine the information specified in Method 300
Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified in Method
300 Chapter 2.
Step 2. Three times immediately before the test, open and close (or
remove and replace) any doors, covers, etc., that would be
opened during normal use to ensure that any seals are functioning
properly and are not adhering to the sealing surfaces.
Step 4. Condition the test item as in paragraph 2.4.1 and record the
conditioning temperature and duration. The test item's sealed
areas (where appropriate) shall remain open throughout the
conditioning cycle. Also, materiel occasionally incorporates valves
or venting devices that may or may not be opened in normal
service use. If the test item incorporates such devices, open them
throughout the conditioning portion of the test.
Step 5. Close all sealed areas and valves; assemble the test item in its
test configuration and, as quickly as possible, immerse the test
item in water so that the uppermost point of the test item is
Step 8. Open the test item and examine the interior and contents for
evidence of and quantity of leakage, and for probable areas where
the leakage occurred.
1. The fording test may be conducted in one of two ways: by towing or driving
the test item through water at the appropriate depth, or by securing the test item in a
tank and flooding the tank to the required depth.
Step 2. With the test item in its fording configuration, ensure that any drain
plugs or apparatus are closed, and either:
a. tow or drive the test item into the water at the required
depth or,
2. In either case, the orientation of the test item should represent that of its
expected in-service orientation, including the angle of entry and exit during fording. If
several orientations are possible, the worst case shall be selected for this test.
Step 3. If using the tank method, flood the tank to the required height
above the bottom of the test item.
Step 4. Maintain the test item in the water for a duration as determined in
paragraph 2.4.4.
Step 5. Either remove the test item from the water or drain the water from
the facility, and inspect the interior of the test item for evidence of
free water.
Step 6. Measure and record the amount of free water, and the probable
point(s) of entry. If appropriate, re-weigh the test item.
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METHOD 308
MOULD GROWTH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 308
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 308
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this mould growth test is to assess the extent to which the materiel
will support mould growth or how the mould growth may affect performance or use of
the materiel. The term "mould" as used throughout this document is synonymous
with "fungus". The primary objectives of the mould growth test are to determine:
c. How any mould growth affects the materiel, its mission, and its safety for
use following the growth of mould on the materiel.
e. If there are simple reversal processes, e.g., wiping off mould growth.
1.2. APPLICATION
NOTE 1: This test procedure and the accompanying preparation and post-test
analysis involve highly specialized techniques and potentially hazardous
organisms. Only technically qualified personnel (e.g., microbiologists) should
perform the test.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This test is designed to obtain data on the susceptibility of materiel. It should not be
used for testing of basic materials since various other test procedures, including soil
burial, pure culture, mixed culture, and plate testing are available.
CHAPTER 2 GUIDANCE/REQUIREMENTS
2. GUIDANCE /REQUIREMENTS
Mould growth impairs the functioning or use of equipment by changing its physical
properties.
Nonresistant materials are susceptible to direct attack as the moulds break the
materials down and use them as nutrients. This results in deterioration affecting the
physical properties of the material. Examples of nonresistant materials are:
(1) Cellulosic materials (e.g., Wood, paper, natural fiber textiles, and
cordage).
(4) Leather.
b. Synthetic materials:
(1) PVC formulations (e.g., those plasticized with fatty acid esters).
The essential parameters for defining the test include temperature and humidity, test
duration, and test item configuration.
Twenty-eight days is the minimum test period to allow for mould germination,
breakdown of carbon-containing molecules, and degradation of material. Since
indirect effects and physical interference are not likely to occur in the relatively short
time frame of the mould test, extension of the exposure period to 84 days should be
considered if a greater degree of certainty (less risk) is required in determining the
existence or effect of mould growth.
1. Two groups of moulds (U.S. and European) are commonly used and are listed
in Table 1. One group or the other should be used in toto, and adjusted, if
necessary, as in paragraph 2.3.b. The U.S.' five species of test moulds are included
in the U.S. National standard on environmental testing, MIL-STD-810, and seven in
the European standards. These organisms were selected because of their ability to
degrade materials, their worldwide distribution, and their stability. To aid in selection
of a species to supplement the selected group, the organisms have, where possible,
been identified with respect to the materials to which they are known to attack, and
must be selected accordingly.
a. Because the test item is not sterile before testing, other microorganisms
will be present on the surfaces. When the test item is inoculated with the
selected group of moulds, both these and the other organisms will
compete for available nutrients. It is not surprising to see organisms
other than the test moulds growing on the test item at the end of the test.
In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, record the following
information:
a. Evidence of mould growth on the control cotton strips at the 7-day check
and at the end of the test (see paragraph 4.4.7).
b. Location of mould.
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4. TEST PROCEDURES
See Method 300 Chapter 5. Also see Annex A of this method for pre-test and post-
test decontamination guidance. In addition to the standard requirements for test
chambers, the following apply to chambers to be used for mould tests:
c. Monitoring and control of the humidity inside the test enclosure must be
accomplished with psychrometric systems or with sensors that are not
affected by condensation.
d. The speed of the air across the psychrometric sensors must be at least
4.5 m/s in order to achieve the required evaporation and sensor
response. (Diffusers may be used to obtain this speed in the vicinity of
the probe.) Deflectors or screens can be installed around the test item if
necessary. In order to prevent heating of the psychrometer sensors, the
sensors shall either be installed upstream of any fan used to create the
air velocity or far enough downstream not to be affected by fan motor
heat.
4.2. CONTROLS
In addition to that provided in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4, the following controls
apply to this test:
4.2.1. Humidity
In addition to the requirements appropriate for Method 506, humid heat, determine
the relative humidity by employing either solid-state sensors whose calibration is not
affected by water condensation or by an approved equivalent method such as
fast-reacting wet-bulb/dry-bulb sensors. Lithium chloride sensors are not
recommended because of their sensitivity to condensation.
a. When the wet-bulb control method is used, clean the wet-bulb assembly
and install a new wick for each test.
c. Because heat from fan motors may affect temperature readings, do not
install wet- and dry-bulb sensors close to the discharge side of any local
fan or blower used to create the requirement of paragraph 4.2.1.b.
Maintain free circulation of air around the test item and keep the contact area of
fixtures supporting the test item to a minimum.
Do not inject steam directly into the test chamber working space where it may have
an adverse effect on the test item and microbial activity.
4.2.4. Chemicals
1. The mould test, unlike other environmental tests, involves living organisms. If
the test is interrupted, the fact that live organisms are involved must be considered.
a. If the interruption occurs during the first ten days of the test, the test
should be restarted from the beginning with either a new or cleaned test
item.
b. If the interruption occurs late in the test cycle, examine the test item for
evidence of mould growth. If the test item is biosusceptible, there is no
need for a retest. If the controls exhibit viable growth but there is no
evidence of mould growth on the test item, follow the guidance given
below.
2. Otherwise, reestablish test conditions and continue the test from the point of
interruption.
3. Otherwise, re-establish test conditions and continue the test from the point of
interruption.
4.4.1. Cleaning
Although it is preferable to use a new test item, the same test item as used in other
tests may be used. If cleaning is required, conduct the cleaning at least 72 hours
before test initiation in order to allow evaporation of any volatile materials. Cleaning
should follow typical production cleaning methods. The test item shall be prepared in
accordance with paragraph 4.4.6.1. Place new cotton control strips in the test
chamber and inoculate both the test item and the controls with the test moulds.
Water used for generating humidity and for wet bulb socks must be essentially free of
contaminants. Follow guidance provided in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4.
4.4.3. Miscellaneous
(1) Verify the viability of the mould spores used in the inoculum.
not reveal potential mould growth situations. These can result due to
the complexities involved in assemblages. Examples are induced
conditions created by coatings and protective wrappings, deterioration
of protective coatings due to bimetallic reactions, and other situations
that would not be encountered with the testing of components.
(2) The pH of the mineral salts solution must be between 6.0 and
6.5.
Note - Precautions: Although the exact strains of moulds specified for this test are
not normally considered to present a serious hazard to humans, certain people may
develop allergies or other reactions. Therefore, standing operating procedures for
safety should be employed. Also, the tests should be conducted by personnel
trained in microbiological techniques.
NOTE: Do not keep the stock cultures for more than 4 months at 6 ± 4 C after
that time, prepare subcultures and use them for the new stocks.
(4) Make subcultures from the pure stock cultures and incubate
them at 30 ± 1 C for 10 to 21 days.
Most moulds will develop within 10 to 14 days and may show signs of deterioration
after longer incubation. Some moulds such as chaetomium globosum require 21
days or longer to develop.
(7) Pour the spore charge into a 125 ml capped erlenmeyer flask
containing 45 ml of water and 50 to 75 solid glass beads, 5 mm
in diameter.
(8) Shake the flask vigorously to liberate the spores from the fruiting
bodies and to break the spore clumps.
(9) Filter the dispersed mould spore suspension into a flask through
a 6 mm layer of glass wool contained in a glass funnel.
NOTE: This process should remove large mycelial fragments and clumps of
agar.
(12) Dilute the final washed residue with mineral salts solution in such
a manner that the resultant spore suspension shall contain
1,000,000 ± 20% spores per milliliter as determined with a
counting chamber.
(13) Repeat this operation for each organism used in the test.
Two types of control tests are required. Using the procedure of paragraph 4.4.5.1,
verify the viability of the spore suspension and its preparation. Using the procedure
of paragraph 4.4.5.2, verify the suitability of the chamber environment.
NOTE: The absence of copious growth of any of the test organisms over the
entire surface in each container will invalidate the results of any tests using
these spores.
b. Prepare control strips from unbleached, plain weave, 100% cotton cloth
that has been cut or torn into strips about 3 cm wide. The strips shall be
devoid of fungicides, water repellents, and sizing additives. To aid in
removing any possible treatment materials, boiling in distilled water is
recommended. Dip the strips into the above solution. After dipping,
remove the excess liquid from the strips and hang them to dry before
placing them in the chamber and inoculating. Ensure that the strips have
been thoroughly wetted.
c. Within the chamber, place the strips vertically close to and bracketing the
test items so that the test strips and test items experience the same test
environment. The length of the strips shall be at least the height of the
test item.
d. These strips are installed and inoculated along with the test item to
ensure that proper conditions are present in the incubation chamber to
promote mould growth.
Step 1. Assure that the condition of the test items is similar to their
condition as delivered by the manufacturer or customer for use, or
as otherwise specified. Any cleaning of the test item shall be
accomplished at least 72 hours before the beginning of the mould
test to allow for evaporation of volatile materials.
Step 2. Install the test item in the chamber or cabinet on suitable fixtures,
or suspended them from hangers.
Step 3. Hold the test item in the operating chamber (at 30 ± 1 C and a
RH of greater than 90% but less than 100%) for at least 4 hours
immediately before inoculation.
Step 4. Inoculate the test item and the cotton fabric chamber control items
with the mixed mould spore suspension by spraying the
suspension on the control items and on and into the test item(s) (if
not permanently or hermetically sealed) in the form of a fine mist
from an atomizer or nebulizer. Personnel with appropriate
knowledge of the test item should be available to aid in exposing
its interior surfaces for inoculation.
NOTE: In spraying the test and control items with composite spore
suspension, take care to cover all external and internal surfaces that are
exposed during use or maintenance. If the surfaces are non-wetting, spray
until drops begin to form on them.
Step 5. In order for air to penetrate, replace the covers of the test items
without tightening the fasteners.
Step 2. After 7 days, inspect the growth on the control cotton strips
(paragraph 4.4.5.2.b) to verify the environmental conditions in
the chamber are suitable for growth. At this time at least 90
percent of the part of the surface area of each test strip located
at the level of the test item should be covered by fungus. If it is
not, repeat the entire test with the adjustments of the chamber
required to produce conditions suitable for growth. Leave the
control strips in the chamber for the duration of the test.
Step 3. If the cotton strips show satisfactory fungus growth after 7 days,
continue the test for the required period from the time of
inoculation as specified in the test plan. If there is no increase in
fungus growth on the cotton strips at the end of the test as
compared to the 7-day results, the test is invalid.
4.4.7. Inspection
At the end of the incubation period, inspect the test item immediately. If possible,
inspect the item within the chamber. If the inspection is conducted outside of the
chamber and is not completed in 8 hours, return the test item to the test chamber or
to a similar humid environment for a minimum of 12 hours. Except for hermetically
sealed materiel, open the test item enclosure and examine both the interior and
exterior of the test item. Record the results of the inspection.
If operation of the test item is required (e.g., electrical materiel), conduct the
operation during the inspection period specified in paragraph 4.4.7. Ensure
personnel with appropriate knowledge of the test item are available to aid in exposing
its interior surfaces for inspection and in making operation and use decisions.
Disturbance of any fungus growth must be kept to a minimum during the operational
checkout.
4.4.9. Decontamination
Because of the potentially hazardous nature of this test, extreme caution must be
taken to ensure that the test item, the PPE and the test facility are properly
decontaminated. Annex A provides guidance on a procedure for decontamination.
a. Any mould growth on the test item must be analyzed to determine if the
growth is on the test item material(s) or on contaminants.
b. Any mould growth on the test item material(s), whether from the
inoculum or other sources, must be evaluated by qualified personnel
for:
(2) The immediate effect that the growth has on the physical
characteristics of the materiel.
(3) The long-range effect that the growth could have on the materiel.
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1Use this scheme as a guide, but exceptions may occur that require a more specific
description
Decontamination of test equipment, materials, and test items that have been
subjected to a fungus test is paramount when the test items are to be sent back to
the users, manufacturer, or material management office for further evaluation or
reuse. Many test items are too expensive to scrap and must be decontaminated.
(3) With no items in chamber, high heat (at least 60 C / 140 F) is
applied for at least 2 hours (no humidity required). Cool the
chamber to ambient prior to placing the test items in the chamber
for fungus testing.
(5) If the test items are washable, follow the instructions for each
item and launder in a machine, if possible.
(6) If the items cannot be washed with a solution, wipe with a damp
cloth that has been sprayed with a phenolic solution (disinfectant
spray) and label the items appropriately with precautions on
handling items that have been subjected to fungus testing.
METHOD 309
SALT FOG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 309
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 309
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
This salt fog test is designed to give a set of repeatable conditions to determine the
relative resistance of materiel to the effects of an aqueous salt atmosphere.
1.2. APPLICATION
All military materiel will be exposed to some form of salt during its life cycle that may
affect its performance. The primary value of the proposed test procedure lies in testing
coatings and finishes on materiel. Additionally, it can be used to locate potential
design problems such as incompatible materials.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
a. It should be noted that the test has limitations regarding the simulation
of real life conditions and successful compliance with the test does not
guarantee that particular items of materiel will satisfactorily resist all
saline conditions to which they may be subjected in service. In
particular the procedure does not duplicate all the effects of a marine
atmosphere and it has not been demonstrated that a direct relationship
exists between the salt fog test corrosion and corrosion occurring in the
natural environment. There is no quantitative relationship between time
spent in the chamber and time in the field, so the test has proven to be
generally unreliable for predicting the service life of different materials
or coatings.
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
Salt is one of the most pervasive chemical compounds in the world. It is found in the
oceans, the atmosphere, ground surfaces, and lakes and rivers. It is impossible to
avoid exposure to salt. In coastal regions, this exposure is intensified; in a marine
environment the exposure reaches a maximum. The procedure can be used in a
relatively short period of time to locate potential problem areas, design flaws,
incompatibility of materials, etc., that are exacerbated by exposure to a salt
atmosphere.
2.1.1. Physical
2.1.2. Chemical
2.1.3. Electrical
2.3. SEQUENCE
See Method 300 Chapter 8. Sand and dust testing should not precede salt fog testing
because dust deposits may inhibit salt corrosion. Salt fog testing should not come
before mould (fungus) or humidity testing because salt deposits may inhibit mould
growth, nor should it precede humidity tests because residual salt deposits could
accelerate chemical reactions.
See Method 300 Chapters 1, 4, and 8. Variations for the test procedure are limited to
the salt concentration, test duration, the cycling of exposure and drying periods, and
the salt composition. Test item configuration is also an important factor to consider.
Studies have shown that, for the purpose of evaluating corrosion, a sodium chloride
solution provides as realistic effect as any synthetic seawater solution (reference a.,
paragraph 7). Do not use sodium chloride containing anti-caking agents because such
agents may act as corrosion inhibitors.
Concentrations exceeding 20% are known to occur. However the testing community
have standardised on a 5 ± 1% solution because test results have shown this to be an
effective test concentration to demonstrate the ability of material to resist corrosion
(reference b).
2.4.3. Cycling
Experience has shown that alternating periods of salt fog exposure and drying
conditions provides a more realistic exposure and a higher damage potential than does
continuous exposure to a salt atmosphere. Because the rate of corrosion is much
higher during the transition from the wet to dry, it is critical to closely control the rate of
drying if corrosion levels from test to test are to be compared. The test item should be
dried for at least 24 hours unless there is clear (and documented) evidence that the
materiel is dry in less time. For large or complex items this drying time may need to be
longer than 24 hours. The number of cycles may be increased to provide a higher
degree of confidence in the ability of the materials involved to withstand a corrosive
environment.
Temperature affects the pH of a salt solution that has been made from water
saturated with carbon dioxide at room temperature. If the pH of the solution is
adjusted at room temperature and then the solution atomised at 35 °C, the pH of the
collected solution will be higher due to loss of carbon dioxide. Therefore pH
adjustment should be by one of the following methods.
a. Take a 50 ml sample of the salt solution and boil for 30 seconds. Cool
the sample and determine the pH. When the pH of the salt solution is
adjusted to 6.6 to 7.2 by this procedure, the pH of the atomised and
collected solution at 35 °C will come within this range.
b. Heat the salt solution to boiling and then cool to 35 °C and hold at this
temperature for 48 hours. Adjust the pH of the solution and it will not
materially change when atomised at 35 °C.
c. Heat the water from which the salt solution will be made to 35 °C or
above to expel the carbon dioxide. Adjust the pH of the solution and it
will not materially change when atomised at 35 °C.
The configuration and orientation of the test item during the exposure period of the
salt fog test is an important factor in determining the effect of the environment on the
test item. Unless otherwise specified, configure the test item and orient it as would
be expected during its storage, shipment, or use. The listing below offers the most
likely configurations that materiel would assume when exposed to a corrosive
atmosphere. For test purposes, choose the most severe/critical configuration.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, measure the salt solution
fallout rate (ml/cm2/h), pH and specific gravity.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
The apparatus used in performing the salt fog test in this method is described as
follows:
(1) Supporting racks designed and constructed so that they will not
affect the characteristics of the salt fog. Construct all parts of the
test chamber and the supporting racks that come into contact with
the test item with material that will not cause electrolytic corrosion.
Do not allow condensation to drip on the test item. No liquid that
comes in contact with either the exposure chamber or the test
item shall return to the salt solution reservoir. Vent the exposure
chamber to prevent pressure buildup.
(4) A means for injecting the salt fog into the test chamber and an
input air humidifier to minimize clogging of the nozzles. Atomizers
used shall be of such design and construction as to produce a
finely divided, wet, dense fog. Atomizing nozzles and the piping
system shall be made of material that is nonreactive to the salt
solution. The facility must be designed to provide the required
atomization distribution and fallout.
(6) A compressed air supply that will maintain constant air pressure
for the continuous, uniform atomization of the salt solution.
NOTE: The apparatus described in IEC Publication 68, test Ka is among those
that satisfy these requirements.
4.2. CONTROLS
In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4, the following controls
apply to this test:
a. Compressed air: The oil and dirt-free compressed air used to produce
the atomized solution shall be preheated (to offset the cooling effects of
expansion to atmospheric pressure) (see Table 1).
c. Test section air circulation: Air velocity in the test chambers shall be
minimal (essentially zero).
d. Chamber operation verification: Immediately before the test, and with the
exposure chamber empty, all test parameters shall be adjusted to those
required for the test. These conditions shall be maintained for at least
one 24-hour period (or until proper operation and salt fog collection can
be verified). The fallout rate and pH must be measured at the end of this
initial period. Monitor and record the temperature immediately prior to
testing, and at least every two hours thereafter.
e. Water used for this test must be essentially free of contaminants. Follow
the guidance provided in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4.
4.4. PROCEDURE
Perform the pretest standard ambient check as specified in Method 300 Chapter 2.
Handle the test item as little as possible, particularly on the significant surfaces, and
prepare it for test immediately before exposure. Unless otherwise specified, test items
shall be free of surface contamination such as oil, grease, or dirt that could cause
dewetting. Do not include the use of corrosive solvents, solvents that deposit either
corrosive or protective films, or abrasives other than a paste of pure magnesium oxide
in the cleaning methods.
Step 1. With the test item installed in the test chamber in its specified
configuration (or as otherwise specified in the requirements
documents), adjust the test chamber temperature to 35 °C and
condition the test item for at least 2 hours before introducing the
salt fog.
Step 2. Continuously atomize the required salt solution into the test
chamber for a period of 24 hours or as specified in the test plan.
Measure and document the salt fog fallout throughout each
24-hour atomization period. The fallout shall be as specified in
paragraph 4.1.b. The frequency of sampling should be sufficient
to ensure that the fallout is maintained but the rate of corrosion will
accelerate if the sample is allowed to dry significantly while the
spray is off. If fallout quantity requirements are not met, that
interval must be repeated. Measure the pH at least once during
each spraying period. Care should be taken to ensure that there
is consistency in this activity if comparative tests are to be
conducted.
Step 3. Dry the test item at standard ambient temperatures and a relative
humidity of 50 ± 5% for 24 hours or as otherwise specified in the
test item specification (see paragraph 2.4.3). Minimize handling
the test item or adjusting any mechanical features during the
drying period.
Step 6. Visually inspect3 the test item for any changes (see paragraph
2.1) to the extent practical. To aid in examination, a gentle wash
in running water (38 °C maximum) may be used.
3 Visual examination of the test item should consider high stress areas; contact of dissimilar metals;
electrical/electronic components; metallic surfaces; enclosed volumes where condensation may occur;
components provided with corrosion protection coatings; cathodic protection systems, and mechanical
systems subject to malfunction if clogged or coated with salt deposits.
In addition to Method 300 Chapter 9, any corrosion must be analyzed for its immediate
or potential effect on the proper functioning of the test item. Satisfactory operation
following this test is not the sole criterion for pass/fail.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
35 95
30 86
25 77
68
20
1.015 1.020 1.025 1.030 1.035 1.040 1.045
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (kg/dm3)
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
METHOD 310
RAIN AND WATERTIGHTNESS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 310
CONTENTS - Continued
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 310
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
These tests are conducted to determine with respect to rain, water spray or dripping
water:
1.2. APPLICATION
This method is applicable to materiel that may be exposed to rain, water spray or
dripping water. The immersion test (Method 307) was traditionally considered to be
more severe than the rain test for determining the penetrability of materiel. The
immersion test may, in some cases, be used to verify watertightness in lieu of a rain
test provided that the materiel configuration would be the same for both situations
and the method of water ingress is well understood. However, there are documented
situations in which the impact of rain causes pumping of water across seals that does
not occur in the immersion test because the seals are held tight against the backing
plate by the static pressure. In most cases it is more appropriate to carry out both
tests.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
2. TEST GUIDANCE
Rain (when falling, upon impact, and as deposited water), water spray and dripping
water have a variety of effects on materiel. Examples of effects resulting from
exposure to these environments are as follows. The list is not intended to be all-
inclusive and some of the examples may overlap the categories.
The Rain and Blowing Rain test is appropriate if the anticipated environment includes
rain or rain combined with wind. The Driving Rain test set-up attempts to simulate
blowing rain by using a pressurised nozzle arrangement but is not recommended
unless facility limitations preclude wind generation, since the effects of impact velocity
may not be properly addressed.
This procedure is not intended to simulate natural rainfall but is recommended when:
d. The flux density of water impacting upon the item will be more severe
due to extreme wind or motion of the item (e.g., An item attached to the
exterior of a vehicle during a normal rainfall will experience a more
intense rate of rain impact due to the velocity of the vehicle).
2.3. SEQUENCE
This Method is applicable at any stage in the test program, but its effectiveness is
maximised if it is performed towards the end of the test program since the synergistic
effects of the other tests can affect seal integrity of an enclosure.
Variables include the test item configuration, rainfall rate, duration of exposure, wind
velocity, test item exposure surfaces (orientation), and the water temperature with
respect to the test item temperature.
1. For Procedure 1, the rainfall rate and duration should be tailored to address
the anticipated deployment locale, material commodity, and mission criticality. Only
when rainfall intensity-frequency-duration curves, commodity failure modes, material
criticality, or mission location/duration are unavailable or not well understood, are the
rates and durations suggested in Figure 1 recommended. Figure 1 includes 3 parts:
an extreme 5-minute rainfall at an intensity of 14 mm/min, 25-minute rainfall at 8
mm/min, and 2-hour rainfall 1.7 mm/min. These parts, combined as one test, provide
survival confidence for stationary materiel exposed for an extended period in the
worst locations of the world (reference a). Procedure 1 can consist of one or more
parts as required to address specific commodity, materiel/usage or criticality issues.
Small and localized rain bursts, such as during a thunderstorm, produces the
heaviest rainfalls over a few hours or less, represented by the highest and mid
intensity rates in Figure 1. These parts address the ability of materiel to withstand
heavy storms and adequately dissipate and drain away water, and could be omitted if
for example the item will not be operated in heavy rain. The lower intensity long
duration portion represents steady-state rain, which addresses failures such as
material soaking up water over a long period of time, or the gradual buildup of water
inside an item with inadequate drainage. This part could be omitted if these issues
do not affect the materiel. Care must be exercised to ensure that the test adequately
assesses the commodity, usage and environment over the anticipated life cycle.
Further information and guidance regarding rainfall rates may be obtained from
Annex A and Leaflet 2311.
2. For Procedure II, the suggested spray rate is 40 mm/min. Tailoring is not
recommended unless the specific reasons for tailoring are fully understood, as this
test has been traditionally used to provide materiel confidence.
3. The recommended drip rate for Procedure III is 280 L/m2/hr (4.67 mm/min) for
an exposure duration of 15 minutes. The intention of Procedure III is to ensure that
the item will survive droplets of water falling onto it at any particular location and
consequently this procedure is an aggravated test whereby droplets fall repeatedly
over the entire surface of the test item. This can cause difficulties with small items
that are not able to drain away the flow of water produced by multiple drips. When
evaluating equipment exposed only to light (lower than 140 L/m2/hr) condensation
drip rates caused by an overhead surface, the aggravated humidity cycle of Method
306 may induce similar levels of surface water. In such cases, effects of internal
condensation and the lack of drop impact and splash must be considered. For
known conditions where a 280 L/m2/hr drip rate cannot occur, the product may be
tested by reducing the drip rate and proportionately increasing the test duration. For
example, for a product exposed only to 140 L/m 2/hr, the rate may be appropriately
reduced if the duration of the test is extended to 30 minutes to ensure the equivalent
volume of water falls on the product.
1. The exposure duration should be determined from the life cycle profile but
should not normally be less than that specified in the individual procedures. This
duration is representative for a stationary item exposed for 10 years in the worst
locations of the world. For materiel liable to accidental exposure, lower intensities or
shorter durations may be appropriate.
2. With certain materials, the water penetration and thus the degradation is more
a function of time (length of exposure) than the volume or rain/drip rate. For any
materiel made of material that may absorb moisture, the duration of the test may
have to be significantly extended to reflect the real life cycle. For items that do not
absorb water there is likely minimal value in exceeding the recommended durations,
however the duration may be extended where concern exists.
Although nominal drop-size spectra exist for instantaneous rainfall rates, natural rain
varies intensity from moment to moment and hence these instantaneous spectra are
effectively meaningless. For Procedure I and Procedure II, droplet sizes should not
be smaller than approximately 0.5 mm in diameter which is considered to be a mist
or drizzle rather than rain, or larger than 4.5 mm. For Procedure III, polyethylene
tubing sleeves added to the dispensing tubes (see Figure 3) will increase the droplet
size to its maximum. Procedure III is not meant to simulate rain but rather droplets of
condensation or overhead leakage, and therefore droplets may be larger than
4.5 mm in diameter.
NOTE: Observations have shown that water droplets introduced into a high
velocity air stream tend to break up over distance (reference b). It is
recommended that the droplets be introduced as close as possible to the test
item while assuring the droplets achieve the required velocity prior to impact
with the test item, where applicable.
required. Gusts exceeding 24 m/s can be associated with these winds and may be
required in the test plan. Unless otherwise specified, the wind need only be applied
during the 2-hour steady-state rainfall. Where test facility limitations preclude the
simulation of wind, the test setup shown in Figure 4 may be used.
Wind-driven rain will usually have more of an effect on vertical surfaces than on
horizontal surfaces, and vice versa for vertical or near-vertical rain. Orient the test
item such that the most vulnerable surfaces face the driving rain. Rotate the test item
as required to expose all vulnerable surfaces or openings, with attention to locations
where pooling of water may occur.
2.4.6. Temperature
Experience has shown that a temperature differential between the test item and the
rain water can affect the results of a rain test. For nominally sealed items, increasing
the test item temperature approximately 10 °C above the rain water temperature at
the beginning of each exposure period will subsequently produce a negative pressure
inside the test item, and will provide a more reliable verification of its watertightness.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
In addition to the information specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, the following
are required:
b. Exposure duration;
c. Water temperature;
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
See Method 300 Chapter 5. Unless otherwise specified, water used for rain tests can
be from local water supply systems and shall be free from particles that can block the
nozzle or tubing apertures. For the drip test, it is recommended that water from this
source be filtered using a fine sediment filter to ensure particulate buildup does not
block the tubing. A water-soluble dye such as fluorescein may be added to the
rainwater to aid in locating water leaks. No rust or corrosive contaminants shall be
imposed on the test item by the test facility. The facility temperature need not be
controlled, as the water introduced as rain will significantly affect it.
The rain facility shall have the capability of producing falling rain accompanied, if
required, by wind at the velocity specified. Where facility limitations preclude the
generation of wind, the facility shall be capable of producing rain using the
arrangement of the nozzles around the test item as shown in Figure 4. In this case,
the rainfall rate will need to be increased on the appropriate materiel surface(s) to
represent the effective rainfall rate that would be induced by the wind (See Annex A
for details). The rain is to be produced by a water distribution device of such design
that the water is homogeneously distributed in the form of droplets having a diameter
range predominantly between 0.5 and 4.5 mm (see paragraph 2.4.3). Spray nozzles,
or the apparatus shown in Figure 2 (with the polyethylene tubing removed), are
suggested. If a dispenser is used for steady state rain, the height of the dispenser
shall be sufficient to ensure that the drops approach terminal velocity (approximately
9 m/s). The wind source shall be capable of producing a horizontal wind velocity of at
least 18 m/s.
The spray is to be produced by a water distribution device such that the water
impacting the materiel is a steady spray pattern of homogeneous droplets
predominantly in the range specified in paragraph 2.4.3. The nozzles used shall be
arranged to ensure homogeneous wetting of the test item surfaces; one such
arrangement is depicted in Figure 5. A minimum operating pressure of 377 kPa is
recommended to produce the desired effects.
The dispenser arrangement shall allow a flow rate of not less than 280 l/m 2/h, but
without coalescence of the drips into a stream. Alternative dispenser designs are
shown in Figures 2 and 5, but other configurations may be used provided the
spacing, rate, and size of individual drops are equivalently maintained. Either
arrangement shown in Figure 2 is recommended over that of Figure 5 due to the
simplicity of construction, maintenance, cost and reproducibility of tests. The
polyethylene tubing ensures maximum droplet size. Use a drip height representative
of the actual situation being simulated; unless otherwise specified, one metre is
suggested. The drip area of the dispenser should be large enough to cover the entire
top surface of the test item. The dispenser shown in Figure 5 requires accurate
leveling together with extensive cleaning and maintenance to ensure consistency of
the drip pattern. It is recommended that de-ionised or distilled water be used to
minimize contamination of the test facility, and that the test item and the dispenser be
covered to prevent accumulation of dust that could clog the dispenser holes. Since
facility imperfections or small amounts of contamination can affect the test, control
the flow rate either by introducing water through a flow metre (preferred) or by
controlling the depth of the water in the drip dispenser (after verifying that the
selected depth produces the required flow) to ensure the proper drip rate.
4.2. CONTROLS
In addition to the controls specified in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4, verify that the
rainfall/spray rate and wind velocity at the position of the test item are correct before
placement of the test item in the test facility. It may be necessary to measure the
rainfall rate without the wind in order to ensure accurate measurement. Ensure that
only separate (or discrete) drops are issuing from the dispenser. Where nozzles are
used, it is not correct to measure the spray pattern of each nozzle independently as
any overlap or excess spacing would not be found. Additionally, the pressure shall
be at least the minimum necessary to maintain a homogeneous pattern distribution.
Once the spray pattern and rate have been verified, it may be sufficient to verify the
water pressure immediately before subsequent tests, so long as none of the
variables of the test have been altered. For Procedure III, the flow rate must be
confirmed before and after the test to ensure test tolerances are met from beginning
to end of test.
with Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the pretest standard ambient check
specified in Method 300 Chapter 2. If wind is required, position the wind source with
respect to the test item in accordance with paragraph 2.4.5.
NOTE: No sealing, taping, caulking, etc., shall be applied to the test item
except as required by the design specification for the test item. Unless
otherwise specified, test items shall be free of surface contamination such as
oil, grease or dirt, which could cause dewetting.
Step 2. Heat the test item to a higher temperature than the rain water
such that the test item temperature has been stabilized at
10 ± 2 °C above the rain water temperature at the start of each
exposure to the rain (see paragraph 2.4.6).
Step 3. Install the test item in the rain test facility in the required test
configuration. Position the test item so that when steady state or
wind-driven rain is initiated, rain will be sprayed over the
specified surfaces of the test item.
Step 4. Start the rain and, if appropriate, the wind at the velocity
specified in the test plan, and maintain the prescribed rainfall
conditions for the specified duration.
Step 5. If an operational check is required, operate the test item for the
last 10 minutes (or as otherwise specified) of the rain duration
selected for Step 4.
Step 6. Examine the test item for water within one hour of completion of
exposure. If possible, examine the test item in the test chamber;
otherwise remove the test item from the test facility and conduct
a visual inspection. Dry the exterior surface of the test item
before opening for internal inspection. If a noticeable amount of
free water has penetrated the test item, judgment regarding
potential safety hazards shall be made before operating the test
item. It may be necessary to empty water from the test item to
prevent a safety hazard. Record the approximate quantity and
location of any free water found inside the test item, and identify
probable area(s) of ingress.
Step 7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for all faces of the test item that could
be exposed to blowing or steady state rain.
Step 1. Install the test item in the test facility in normal operational
configuration.
Step 3. If practical, heat the test item to a higher temperature than the
rain water such that the test item temperature has been
stabilized at 10 ± 2 °C above the rain water temperature at the
start of each exposure to the rain (see paragraph 2.4.6).
Step 5. Inspect the interior of the test item for evidence of free water.
Estimate the water volume and the probable point of entry, and
document.
Step 6. If required following removal of any free water, operate the test
item to demonstrate compliance with the requirements
documents, and document the results. Be aware of any potential
electrical safety hazard.
Step 1. Heat the test item to a higher temperature than the rain water
such that the test item temperature has been stabilized at
10 ± 2 °C above the rain water temperature at the start of each
exposure to the rain (see paragraph 2.4.6).
Step 2. Install the test item in the test facility in accordance with the test
plan, in its operational configuration with all connectors and
fittings engaged.
Step 3. Subject the entire top surface of the test item to water droplets
falling from specified height measured from the upper main
surface of the test item at the specified uniform rate for 15
minutes or as otherwise specified.
Step 4. At the conclusion of the exposure period, examine the test item
in the test facility if possible. Dry the test item externally and
remove sufficient panels or covers to allow the interior to be
inspected.
Step 5. Visually inspect the test item for evidence of water penetration.
Estimate the amount of any water inside the test item, and
estimate the probable point of entry, and document.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Water Supply
Flow control or
calibration is required to
ensure the correct drip
rate (140 or 280
L/m2/hr)
DRIP DISPENSERS
20
20
19
Corrosion
Internal Diameter of Tubes Resistant
approximately 0.5 to 0.6 mm Stainless Tubes
Dimensions are in mm
Length 25 mm
Nozzle
Note: Ensure nozzles are perpendicular to the surface(s), and situated such that
each surface including top surface (and especially vulnerable areas) is sprayed.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
A.1. INTRODUCTION
This Annex provides additional information to aid in tailoring the rain and
blowing/driving rain test procedures.
Rainfall is often classified according to the process causing the uplift of air initiating
the rain formation; there are three main types of rain that are not mutually exclusive,
and these are known as orographic, cyclonic, and convective (references a and b).
With orographic rain, the main cause is the forced ascent of moist air over high
ground. The enhanced precipitation is often due to raindrops falling into the large
amounts of low cloud formed by this ascent, giving rise to the ‘seeder/feeder’
mechanism. Orographic precipitation is often responsible for high monthly and
annual rain amounts; however, windward slopes are also prone to very extreme
amounts when affected by tropical storms. Due to the high rainfall on the windward
slope of a mountain, the leeward side will often have lower precipitation; this
condition is known as the “shadow effect”.
With cyclonic rainfall, large scale uplift is associated with features of the general
weather situation, such as fronts and depressions. Tropical cyclones are responsible
for most of the extreme amounts for a few hours to a few days.
Convective rain falls from a cumuliform cloud with an unstable air mass, where
columns of cloudy air can rise, and rapidly form raindrops. Rainfall intensity is
typically greater than for cyclonic or orographic rain, but individual areas of rain are
generally small (20 km diameter or less), with dry areas close by. This type of rain
produces the heaviest rainfalls over periods of a few hours or less. Although heavy
winds are often associated with convective rain, these typically do not occur at the
core of the storm where the rain is heaviest, since the causation for heavy rain is the
strong downdraft.
1. Due to the different types of rainfall, shorter rainfalls are often more intense.
Climatologists and meteorologists often present this information in a simple diagram,
known as IFD curves. These curves show the relationship between the intensity and
duration, for different return periods. A sample IFD curve is shown in Figure 1. IFD
curves will differ from one location to the next due to the differences in geographic
features that influence the causation of the rainfall.
2. Standard practices for rain data collection do not often include gathering data
for durations of less than one hour. When IFD curves are not available for short
durations, the intensities for durations less than 1 hour may be estimated from the 1-
hour value (reference c), as shown in Table A-1. These average ratios have been
developed empirically from hundreds of station-years of records.
Table A-1: Ratios for Estimating Short Duration Rainfall Rates from 1-Hour
Value
Duration (minutes) 5 10 15 30
Ratio (n-minutes to 60-minutes) 3.48 2.70 2.28 1.58
3. Thus, if the 100-year one-hour rainfall rate is 102 mm/hr (1.7 mm/min), the
100-year ten-minute rainfall rate would be 275 mm/hr (4.6 mm/min). Caution must be
exercised when using this approach. In regions where most of the rainfall occurs in
connection with thunderstorms, the above ratios would tend to yield values that are
too low; in regions where most of the rainfall results from orographic influences with
little severe convective activity, these ratios might tend to yield values that are too
high.
4. Alternatively, the IFD curve can be derived if the mean and standard deviation
of annual extreme rainfall rates for various durations are known, by analyzing the
data as a Gumbel double exponential distribution (Note: the Gaussian/Normal
distribution does not apply and consequently the data is not entirely contained within
3 standard deviations).
x x K (T)s
where x is the exceedance value, x and s are the mean and standard deviation of
the annual extreme rainfalls, T is the return period, and K(T) is defined by:
6 T
K(T) 0.5772 ln ln
T 1
3. Consequently, for a materiel intended for a field exposure of 10 years, the 100-
year return period rainfall must be used to provide 90% confidence that the item will
not experience rain more intense than the test condition. This success probability
was used to derive the recommended values in the rain and blowing/driving rain test
procedure.
R = 60.4T-0.525
2. The most intense 100-year return period (10 year design life, 90 % confidence)
rainfalls have been estimated to occur in Hawaii and Puerto Rico (reference g and
reference h), and these values were selected as the recommended test rain rates.
Figure 3 shows the recommended 100-year rainfall rates in comparison with the
maximum observed intensities.
The velocity of water droplets is dependent upon the drop size. This is due to the
fact that the air resistance is proportionate to the square of the velocity. Conversely,
the velocity is dependent upon the effective surface area that this resistance acts
upon which changes as the drop deforms slightly.
1. Natural raindrop velocities for various drop sizes are shown in Table A-2. Note
that these values are approximate estimates only, and do not need to be matched
precisely.
2. Where droplets are formed and allowed to fall naturally for the rain/blowing
rain procedure, the test facility must be sufficient in height to ensure terminal velocity
of the droplets is reached before impact upon the test item. Test facilities using
pressurised water may not require as much height, as the droplets will leave the
spray nozzle with some initial velocity.
3. Drop sizes greater than 4.5 mm do not typically occur in natural rainfall, as
droplets of this size will tend to break up during their descent, either due to air
resistance or collision with other droplets.
Since the drip test is not to simulate rain, the droplets do not need to reach terminal
velocity. It is possible to achieve larger droplet sizes, since the air resistance may not
be sufficient to cause them to break up. The largest drop size that can be achieved
without coalescence is recommended.
The flux density of water droplets on the vertical surfaces of the materiel may be
increased in situations where either wind or motion is involved.
A.6.1. Wind
Wind will increase the horizontal rate of water impact on vertical surfaces. Windward
surfaces will receive:
v2
R eff R no min al 1
u2
Where Reff is the effective rainfall rate impacting upon the windward
vertical surface (mL/m2/min)
A.6.2. Motion
1. Where materiel is in motion, the rate of water impact upon the front of the
materiel will increase proportionately to the square of the velocity. This is especially
important on equipment mounted to the exterior of surface vehicles. For example, a
vehicle traveling at 25 m/s (90 kph), the rate of surface impact on the front of the
materiel can be increased by over 4 times the nominal rainfall rate.
v2
R eff R no min al 1
u2
Where Reff is the effective rainfall rate impacting upon the forward
surface (mL/m2/min)
3. Where wind and motion exist simultaneously, v in the above equations is the
net vector summation of the vehicle speed and wind speed.
4. For example, for a materiel mounted to the exterior of a typical land vehicle
travelling 100 kph (27.8 m/s) in rainfall of 2 mm/min intensity and a head wind of
65 kph (18 m/s), the resultant effective rainfall rate is:
v vehicle v wind 2
R eff R no min al 1
u2
R eff 2 1
27.8 182
92
Simultaneously, the wind velocity should be increased to 45.8 m/s (vvehicle + vwind)
which may help alleviate concerns regarding impact velocity.
A.7. ALTITUDE
Rainfall at altitudes of up to 4 km (13000 ft) may be 25-30% higher than rainfall rates
at sea-level (reference a and reference b). Above this altitude, the precipitation will
be consist partly or fully of snow or hail.
1. The test setup must be of sufficient size to produce the desired effect. In
procedures where wind is involved, the rate of water impacting upon the windward
surface is increased as is described in paragraph 6.1; the cause for this increase
originates from the fact that the wind is collecting droplets that would normally fall off
to the side of the materiel and pushing them into the vertical surface. As such, there
must be sufficient droplets falling to the side of the materiel during testing to recreate
this phenomenon.
2. The required manifold extension, measure from the side of the materiel, is
dependent upon the resultant angle of the driving rain, which is in turn dependent
upon the wind velocity. The minimum required extension is:
u
dh
v
For nozzles that produce a round spray pattern, an equilateral triangle manifold
arrangement will result in the most even spray distribution. Nozzles that produce a
square spray pattern will be most effective on a square grid arrangement.
It has been observed that using nozzles that produce a fraction of the required fallout
rate, and providing significant overlap, may result in a more even and consistent
spray distribution than selecting nozzles that produce the desired rainfall rate and
spacing them with small overlap. Additionally, this will help ensure the rainfall rate is
consistent regardless of the vertical distance away from the nozzle.
d. Hogg, W.D. and Carr, D.A. Rainfall Frequency Atlas for Canada,
Canadian Government Publishing Centre, 1985.
10
1-Year
2-Year
5-Year
10-Year
25-Year
50-Year
100-Year
1
Rainfall Intensity (mm/min)
0.1
0.01
1 10 100 1000 10000
Duration (mins)
80%
75%
50%
100
Return Period (Years)
10
100.00
Maximum Observed
Estimated 100-Year Hawaii/Peurto Rico Rainfall Rates
WMO Envelope for Maximum Rainfall Rates
Recommended 100-Year Return Rainfall Rates
10.00
Average Rainfall Rate (mm/min)
y = 60.4x-0.525
y = 35.5x-0.6
1.00
0.10
0.01
1 10 100 1000
Duration (mins)
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METHOD 311
ICING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 311
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 311
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The icing test is conducted to evaluate the effect of icing on the operational capability
of materiel. This Method also provides tests for evaluating the effectiveness of de-icing
equipment and techniques, including prescribed means to be used in the field.
1.2. APPLICATION
b. This Method can be used for ice accretion from sea splash or spray, but
the ice thicknesses may need to be modified to reflect the lower density
of the ice.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This Method does not simulate snow conditions or ice build-up on aircraft flying through
supercooled clouds. Although frost occurs naturally, the effects are considered less
significant and are not specifically addressed in this Method. This Method may not be
suitable for the assessment of aerial/antenna performance, (i.e., rime ice saturated with
air causes substantial signal reflection). For optional tests for testing vehicle
windscreens/windshields, see EEC Directive 78/317/EEC (reference a). Also, this
Method does not address icing effects from falling, blowing or recirculating snow and
wet snow or slush. These are considered less severe than those in paragraph 2.2.
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
b. From sublimation;
d. From sea spray and splash that coats materiel when the materiel
temperature is below freezing.
(See reference b)
Two types of ice are commonly encountered: rime ice (opaque/granular) and glaze ice
(clear/smooth). Published extremes for ice accretion may be used for calculating
design and structural evaluations, but are not considered practical for establishing test
conditions due to the large thicknesses involved, unless the test is intended to provide
practical confirmation of design calculations.
a. Rime ice: A white or milky and opaque granular deposit of ice formed by
a rapid freezing of supercooled water drops as they impinge upon an
exposed object. Rime ice is lighter, softer and less transparent than
glaze. Rime is composed essentially of discrete ice granules and has
densities ranging from 0.2 g/cm3 (soft rime) to almost 0.9 g/cm3 (hard
rime). Factors that favour rime formation are small drop size, slow
accretion, a high degree of supercooling, and rapid dissipation of latent
heat of fusion. The opposite effects favour glaze formation.
more compact and amorphous than soft rime, and builds out into
the wind as glazed cones or feathers. The icing of ships and
shoreline structures by supercooled spray from the sea usually
has the characteristics of hard rime.
(2) Soft rime: A white, opaque coating of fine rime deposited chiefly
on vertical surfaces, especially on points and edges of objects,
generally in supercooled fog. On the windward side, soft rime
may grow to very thick layers, long feathery cones, or needles
pointing into the wind and having a structure similar to that of
frost.
b. Glaze ice: A coating of ice, generally clear and smooth but usually
containing some air pockets, formed on exposed objects by the freezing
of a film of supercooled water vapour. Glaze is denser, harder and more
transparent than rime. Its density may be as high as 0.9 g/cm3. Factors
that favour glaze formation are large drop size, rapid accretion, slight
supercooling, and slow dissipation of heat of fusion. The opposite effects
favour rime formation. Glaze occurs when rain or drizzle freezes on
objects, and is clear and nearly as dense as pure ice. Since glaze ice is
more difficult to remove, it is structurally a more significant factor and will
be the focus of this test.
Ice formation can impede materiel operation and survival and affect the safety of
operating personnel by creating, as example, the following problems:
When an icing test is deemed necessary, the procedure included in this Method is
considered suitable for most materiel.
The test variables are test item configuration and orientation, air and test item
temperature, water delivery method, droplet size, and ice thickness. The values
chosen for the variables are primarily dependent on the intended use of the materiel.
a. Should the test item receive icing on all sides and on top?
Test temperatures that may be used to produce the required environmental conditions
are recommended in the test procedure. The recommended temperatures of the
chamber and water may have to be adjusted for different size facilities to prevent
premature freezing of the water droplets before they come in contact with the test item.
However, the initial test item temperature should not be below 0 °C to allow water to
penetrate (cracks, seams, etc.) prior to freezing.
The objective is to produce a clear, uniform coating of glaze ice. Any delivery rate that
produces a uniform coating of glaze ice is acceptable. A water delivery rate of
25 mm/hr has been suggested in the test procedure and is based on data from
previous testing.
Any of the following water delivery systems can be used as long as the water is
delivered as a uniform spray:
a. Nozzle arrays directing spray to the top, sides, front and rear of the test
item.
b. Nozzle arrays that direct spray straight down onto the test item.
Sidespray coverage is achieved by using wind or an additional
hand-held nozzle. If wind is used it should be the minimum necessary
to maintain uniform ice accretion.
c. A single nozzle directing the spray over the appropriate surfaces of the
test item.
The droplet size range may have to be adjusted for different size facilities. A fine spray
in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 mm diameter nominal droplet size has produced satisfactory
icing in some facilities.
Unless specifically measured data for the anticipated situation are available, the
following ice thicknesses are recommended (reference c):
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In addition to the information derived from Method 300 Chapter 6, the following are
required:
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
4.2. CONTROLS
4.4. PROCEDURE
Before starting any of the test procedures, determine the information to be documented
from Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the pretest standard ambient
checkout specified in Method 300 Chapter 2. In addition:
NOTE: Since artificially produced ice accretion rates tend to depend upon the
distance between the test item and the spraying system, structures with large
height variations, such as antenna masts, should have test bars placed at the
different heights.
Step 1. Place the test item in the chamber and arrange the nozzles to
produce ice on specified surfaces.
Step 3. Deliver a uniform precooled water spray for 1 hour to allow water
penetration into the test item crevices/openings (although a water
temperature of 0 to 3 °C is ideal, a water temperature of 5 °C and
a water delivery rate of 25 mm/hr has proven satisfactory).
Step 6. If the specification allows ice removal, remove the ice. Limit the
method of ice removal to that determined in paragraph 4, e.g.,
Step 9. Stabilize the test item at standard ambient conditions and perform
a post-test operational check.
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The following guidance is provided to aid in failure analysis. In most cases the test
item is considered to have failed if:
a. For materiel that must operate without ice removal, the performance of
the test item has been degraded beyond that specified in the
requirements document.
b. For materiel that requires ice removal before operation, the performance
of the item has been degraded beyond the specified limits/requirements
after normal ice-removal efforts have been undertaken.
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In addition to the references given in Method 300 Chapter 10, the following are
provided for background information.
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METHOD 312
LOW PRESSURE (ALTITUDE)
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 312
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 313
METHOD 313
SAND AND DUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 313
CONTENTS - Continued
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 313
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Sand and Dust test method is to obtain data to evaluate the
effects of the desert environmental conditions on material safety, integrity and
performance. Perform the small-particle dust (<149 m) procedure to ascertain the
ability of materiel to resist the effects of dust. Perform the blowing sand test
procedure to determine if materiel can be stored and/or operated during blowing sand
(150 to 850 m particle size).
1.2. APPLICATION
This method is applicable to all materiel for which exposure to a dry, blowing sand or
blowing dust-laden atmosphere is anticipated.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
The scope of this method is laboratory testing, but can be tailored to item specific test
evaluation requirements. This method is not suitable for determining erosion of
airborne (in flight) materiel because of the particle impact velocities involved, or for
determining the effects of a build-up of electrostatic charge. This Method does not
address sand or dust testing outdoors. Guidance for outdoor and commodity specific
testing is provided in: Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 01-2-621 Outdoor Sand and
Dust Testing; TOP 02-2-819 Sand Dust Testing of Wheeled and Tracked Vehicles;
TOP 03-2-045 Small Arms - Hand and Shoulder Weapons and Machineguns;
TOP 03-4-012 Desert Environmental (Sand and Dust) Testing of Vehicle-Mounted
Primary and Secondary Automatic Weapon Systems, Up To 40mm; NATO AC/225
(LG/3-SG1)D/14 Evaluation Procedures for Future NATO Small Arms Weapon
Systems. This method does not address aerosols other than dust. This method
does not address settling dust. If settling dust is of concern, concentration levels can
be obtained from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60721-2-5, and
test procedures for settling dust can be obtained from IEC 60068-2-68 Test Lb.
Human factors related to sand and dust exposure are not addressed.
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1. Having selected this Method and relevant procedures (based on the materiel's
requirements documents and the tailoring process), it is necessary to complete the
tailoring process by selecting specific parameter levels and special test
conditions/techniques for these procedures based on requirements documents, Life
Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP), and information provided with this method.
From these sources of information, determine the functions to be performed by the
materiel in sand and dust environments, or following storage in such environments.
Then determine the sand and dust concentrations of the geographical areas and
micro-environments in which the materiel is designed to be employed. To do this,
consider the following in light of the operational purpose and life cycle of the materiel.
2. Base the specific test conditions on field data if available. Consider the
configuration of the test item (operational, storage, etc.) when selecting available field
data. In the absence of field data, determine the test conditions from the applicable
requirements documents. If this information is not available, utilize information in
Chapter 3 and in the references of Chapter 7.
2.2. SEQUENCE
1. Use the Life Cycle Environmental Profile as a general guide, see Method 300,
“General Guidance and Requirements” for additional information.
2. This method can produce a dust coating on, or severe abrasion of a test item,
that could influence the results of other environmental test methods such as Solar
Radiation (Method 305), Humidity (Method 306), Mould Growth (Method 308),
Contamination by Fluids (Method 314), and Salt Fog (Method 309). Therefore, use
judgement to determine the sequence of tests. The presence of dust in combination
with other environmental parameters can induce corrosion or mould growth. A warm,
humid environment can cause corrosion in the presence of chemically reactive dust.
3. If both sand and dust procedures are to be applied to the same test item, it is
generally more appropriate to conduct the less damaging first, i.e., blowing dust and
then blowing sand.
Although the blowing sand and dust environment is usually associated with hot-dry
regions, it exists seasonally in most other regions. Naturally - occurring sand and
dust storms are an important factor in the deployment of materiel, but with the
increased mechanisation of military operations, they can cause fewer problems than
does sand and dust associated with man’s or battlefield activities. Examples of
problems that could occur as a result of exposure to blowing sand and dust are as
follows; the list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
b. Penetration of seals.
This Method includes two laboratory (chamber) test procedures: Blowing Dust and
Blowing Sand. Select the applicable procedure based on the materiel’s intended
deployment exposure and function.
Use this procedure to assess the ability of materiel to resist the effects of dust
(<149 m particle size) that may obstruct openings, abrade surfaces, penetrate into
cracks, crevices, bearings and joints, and to evaluate the effectiveness of filters and
protective covers that are designed to prevent dust intrusion. This method is also
used to evaluate the reduction in heat transfer from dust accumulation such as
fouling of cooling fins.
Use this procedure to determine if materiel can be stored and/or operated under
blowing sand (150 to 850 m particle size) conditions without degradation of
performance, effectiveness, reliability, and maintainability due to the abrasion
(erosion) or clogging effect of sharp-edged particles.
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3.1. GENERAL
After choosing the test procedure(s), determine the values of the test parameters and
whether the test item is to operate during the test. In the absence of field data, use
the following guidance.
3.2. TEMPERATURE
Unless otherwise specified, conduct the blowing sand and blowing dust tests with the
test item at the high operating or storage temperature. In the absence of this
information, perform the tests at, the maximum ambient air temperature for the A1
climatic category (Leaflet 2311) induced or meteorological, as required. A portion of
the Blowing Dust test is also performed at Standard Laboratory Temperature to
ensure that the equipment will perform across the temperature range. In some
cases, the test plan may not require the test be performed at the two temperatures.
In such case, it is recommended to perform the test at the higher temperature.
1. Ensure the sand particles impact the test item at velocities ranging from
18 to 30 m/s. In order for the particles to attain these velocities, maintain an
approximate distance of 3 m from the sand injection point to the test item. Use other
distances if it can be proven the particles achieve the necessary velocity at impact.
NOTE: For typical testing, uniform wind speeds are provided across the test
area. If the test item is large and at ground level some consideration should be
given to account for the wind profile from the ground to the test item height.
See AECTP 230 for wind profiles found in nature.
2. Wind speed verification typically takes place prior to the testing. For this
verification, the sampling rate for wind speed measurements will be a minimum of 4
samples per second. The steady state (sustained) wind speeds will be verified by
averaging the wind speeds over 10 seconds with the wind generation equipment
controls held constant. A gust is defined as a 3 second period at the level of
increased wind speed. When performing a test with gusts, a minimum of four gusts
per hour is recommended. The accuracy of wind measurement devices, such as
cup, propeller and hot wire anemometers, are negatively affected by the sand and
dust environment, therefore wind speed measurements should be taken in clean air
with these devices. Variation in wind direction, or high turbulence, can also influence
cup and propeller measurement accuracy.
A variety of materials are applicable for dust and sand testing, the selection depends
on the test objectives (erosion, infiltration, electrical conductivity etc.) and material
availability. Material properties such as particle size, hardness, roundness and
sphericity, material composition must be considered against the test objectives.
Quartz is a typical test material due to being chemically inert and available both as
ground quartz (silica flour dust) and sand. Kaolinite (clay) based materials can be
used to evaluate reaction with moisture or hydraulic fluids.
a. Blowing Dust
(b) Silica flour (ground quartz) has been widely used in dust
testing and contains 97 to 99 per cent (by weight) silicon
dioxide (SiO2).
(c) If other materials are used for dust testing, their particle
size distribution may fall below that in paragraph 3.4.a.(2)
below. Ensure material to be used is appropriate for the
intended purpose and regions of the world being
simulated. These materials for dust testing include:
WARNING: Refer to the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or equivalent for
health hazard data. Exposure to silica flour (ground quartz) can cause silicosis;
other materials may cause adverse health effects.
a. Blowing Sand. Unless otherwise specified, for the large particle sand
test, use quartz sand (at least 95% by weight SiO 2). Use sand with a
sub-angular structure, a mean Krumbein (roundness and sphericity)
number range 0.5 to 0.7, and a hardness factor of 7 Mohs. If possible,
WARNING: The same health hazard considerations as noted for the dust
apply. Refer to the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or equivalent for health
hazard data; exposure to crystalline silica can cause silicosis.
a. Blowing Dust. Maintain the average dust concentration for the blowing
dust test at 10.6 7 g/m3 unless otherwise specified. This
concentration exceeds that normally associated with moving vehicles,
aircraft, and troop movement, but has historically proven to be a reliable
concentration for blowing dust tests using silica flour (ground quartz)
material. If available, use a dust concentration based on natural
environment data or other historical information to accurately represent
the specific service condition.
3.6. ORIENTATION
a. Blowing Dust. Orient the test item such that the most vulnerable
surfaces face the blowing dust. Rotate the test item as required to
expose all vulnerable surfaces to equal portions of the total test time.
When possible, evaluate the airflow around the test item in-service to
determine required chamber boundary conditions to create similar
airflow and cooling conditions. Consider removal of the dust
accumulation during the reorientation of the test item. See
paragraph 3.9.
b. Blowing Sand. Orient the test item with respect to the direction of the
blowing sand such that the test item will experience maximum erosion
effects in the fielded configuration. The test item may be re-oriented at
90-minute intervals. Consider the incident angle of sand particle impact
on the severity of erosion in selecting orientations. When possible,
evaluate the airflow around the test item in-service to determine
required chamber boundary conditions to create similar airflow and
cooling conditions.
3.7. DURATION
NOTE: If facility limitations do not allow for the coverage of an entire face of
the test item, the length of overall exposure should be extended to allow for the
equivalent amount of exposure that would be performed if the facility limitation
did not exist. For example, if an item with four vulnerable sides is undergoing
dust testing, but the facility can only cover half of each face, two exposures
would be needed for each face. In this case the total time of testing would be
doubled.
1. Determine the need to operate the test item during exposure to sand or dust
from the anticipated in-service operational requirements. For example, continuously
operate heat dissipating materiel while exposed to sand and dust environments if the
item is expected to be operated continuously in the field. Certain materiel, although
exposed to sand and dust environments while non-operating, may be operated only
in an environmentally controlled shelter. Tailor the operating requirements in the test
plan accordingly. Specify the time and periods of operation in the test plan. This
schedule should normally contain at least one 10-minute period of continuous
functioning of the test item during the last hour of the test, with the test item’s most
vulnerable surface facing the blowing sand or dust.
2. For test items that will be required to operate in the field for extended periods
of time consider longer operational periods, up to the full period of dust exposure.
Depending on the test item and the LCEP, repeated manipulation may be required
between exposures to ensure proper operation. For example, the wear of hydraulic,
pneumatic seals, or operator controls may not occur without repetitive
use/manipulation of the equipment during testing.
3. Consider removal of the dust accumulation on the test item prior to the period
of operation. See paragraph 3.9.
1. Experience has shown that dust accumulations of 13 mm (0.5 inch) on the test
item are not uncommon during the chamber dust exposure. This can create a
condition that may not be experienced in the life cycle of the test item. This layer of
dust may form a protective layer over the seals. Removing the dust during the
reorientation of the test item may provide a more realistic application of the fielded
environment. If dust removal is to be performed, the item specific dust removal
procedures shall be documented prior to test in the approved test plan.
2. In the event of an operational test this build-up of dust will reduce the ability of
the test item to shed the thermal load generated by electronics. If dust accumulations
are expected in the field perform the operational test without removing the dust. If
the item will be routinely maintained or exposed to other environments (high winds,
rain, etc.) that will mitigate dust build up consider removing the dust prior to
operation.
3. Procedures for dust removal must reflect the in service use in accordance with
the field manual with the tools available in the field. Remove accumulated dust from
the test item by brushing or wiping taking care to avoid introduction of additional dust
or disturbing any that may have already entered the test item. Do not remove dust by
either air blast or vacuum cleaning unless these methods are likely to be used in
service.
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1. In addition to the information derived from Method 300, the following are
required for these tests:
f. Test temperatures.
g. Air velocity.
4.2.1. Pre-test
(1) Air velocity calibration of fan settings (if the velocity is not
continuously measured and recorded). Any calibrations of feed
rates or chamber checkouts required to prove proper application
of the applied environment.
(3) Results of pre-test functional test. Record of air and test item
temperature and humidity during pre-test functional test, if
required.
(5) Provide the composition and particle size distribution of the Sand
and Dust.
(1) Chamber Air and Test Item Temperature vs. Time for the entire
test period.
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
See Method 300 for test facility, test conditions, and test control information.
In addition to the information provided in Method 300, ensure the test item and facility
are properly grounded to avoid build-up of an electrostatic charge and possible
airborne dust explosions. Ensure that the plans are in place to gather the information
required by paragraph 4.2. The following information is also appropriate.
In order to provide adequate circulation of the sand or dust-laden air, do not occupy
more than 50% of the test section’s cross-sectional area (normal to airflow) and 30%
of the volume of the test chamber by the test item(s). The use of a chamber turntable
reduces personnel exposure to airborne particulates when re-orienting the test item.
For any test the material composition, particle shape, and particle size distribution
should be documented from manufacturer supplied data or actual test facility
measurement. Material properties can vary between production lots, thus for long
duration or repetitive/competitive tests the same lot should be used for successive
tests.
uniformly suspended in the air stream when it strikes the test item.
Ensure that the air stream velocities are uniform.
1. The configuration of the test item will affect the test results. Use the
anticipated configuration of the materiel in the life cycle environmental profile. As a
minimum, consider the following configurations:
3. For the blowing sand test, calibrate the sand dispensing system for the sand
concentration specified in the test plan, and adjust the air supply or test item position
to obtain the specified air velocity at the test item when it is located a minimum of
3 metres from the sand injection point.
5. For blowing sand and blowing dust tests, if operation is required, this is
typically performed on the face of the test item deemed most vulnerable during the
final exposure at each test temperature.
The uniformity of the dust and sand in the air stream as well as the wind speeds
should be measured and documented. The test tolerances in Table 1 provide the
tolerances on the average of the sand concentration, dust concentration and wind
speeds measured at sufficient number of points to ensure uniformity across cross
sectional test area.
5.5. CONTROLS
b. For the blowing sand test, continuously measure the humidity and
temperature during the test. Verify the air velocity and sand
concentration prior to testing by determining the sand feed rate using
the following formula:
Where:
Feed Rate = mass of sand introduced into the test chamber per set
time interval.
Area = cross-sectional area of the sand laden wind stream at the test
item location.
Test interruptions can result from a number of situations that are described in the
following paragraphs. See Method 300 for additional information.
1. Specific to this Method. When interruptions are due to failure of the laboratory
equipment, analyze the failure to determine root cause. If the test item was not
subjected to an over-test condition as a result of the equipment failure, repair the test
equipment or move to alternate test equipment and resume testing from the point of
interruption. Assuming test parameters are within test tolerances, the abrasion,
penetration and collection of sand and dust are cumulative effects that are not
affected by premature test stoppage. Re-establish appropriate test conditions and
continue from the point of interruption.
Failure of the test materiel to operate as required during operational checks presents
a situation with several possible options. Failure of subsystems often has varying
degrees of importance in evaluation of the test materiel integrity. Selection of one or
more options from a through c below will be test specific.
a. The preferable option is to replace the test item with a “new” one, and
restart the entire test.
c. For many system level tests involving either very expensive or unique
materiel, it may not be possible to acquire additional hardware for re-
test based on a single subsystem failure. For such cases, perform a
risk assessment by the organization responsible for the system under
test to determine if replacement of the failed subsystem and resumption
of the test is an acceptable option. If such approval is provided, the
failed component should be re-tested at the subcomponent level.
There are often situations in which scheduled test interruptions will take place. The
abrasion, penetration and collection of sand and dust are cumulative effects that are
not affected by test interruptions. Document all scheduled interruptions in the test
plan and test report.
Follow any undertest interruption by reestablishing the prescribed test conditions and
continue from the point of interruption.
If the test item was subjected to an over-test condition as a result of the test
equipment failure, notify the test engineer or program engineer responsible for the
test materiel immediately. Following exposure to excessive sand concentrations,
remove as much of the accumulation as possible (as would be done in service) and
continue from the point of interruption. If abrasion is of concern, either restart the test
with a new test item or reduce the exposure period by using the concentration-time
equivalency (assuming the overtest concentration rate is known).
5.7. PROCEDURES
WARNING: The relatively dry test environment combined with the moving air,
dust and sand particles may cause a build-up of electrostatic energy that could
affect operation of the test item. Use caution when making contact with the test
item during or following testing.
WARNING: Silica flour (ground quartz) or other dusts of similar particle size
may present a health hazard. When using silica flour (ground quartz), ensure
the chamber is functioning properly and not leaking; if a failure of containment
is noted and personnel might have been exposed, air samples should be
obtained and compared to the current threshold limit values of the national
safety and health regulations. Chamber repair and/or other appropriate action
must be taken before continuing use of the chamber. Care should be taken
during all steps where exposure of personnel to the dust is possible.
All items require a pre-test standard ambient checkout to provide baseline data.
Conduct the pre-test checkout as follows:
Step 3. Position the test item as near the center of the test chamber as
possible and away from any other test item (if more than one item
is being tested). Orient the test item to expose the most critical or
vulnerable parts to the dust stream. Ensure the test item is
grounded (either through direct contact with the test chamber or
with a grounding strap).
NOTE: If required by the test plan, change the orientation of the test item
during the test as specified.
Step 5. Conduct a functional test in accordance with the test plan and
record results.
Step 6. If the test item operates satisfactorily, proceed to Step 1 of the test
procedure. If not, resolve the problem and restart at Step 1 of pre-
test checkout.
CAUTION: When temperature conditioning, ensure the total test time at elevated
temperatures do not exceed the life expectancy of any safety critical materials.
This is particularly applicable to energetic materials. See Method 300.
Step 1. With the test item in the chamber and stabilized at standard
laboratory temperature (see paragraph 3.2), adjust the air velocity
to the required value, determined from the test plan. Adjust the
relative humidity to less than 30% and maintain it throughout the
test.
Step 4. Stop the dust feed. (See paragraph 3.7.) If required, operate the
test item in accordance with the test plan. Reduce the test section
air velocity to no greater than 2.5 m/s and adjust the temperature
to the required high temperature (see paragraph 3.2), or as
otherwise determined from the test plan. The rate of temperature
change shall be no greater than 3 °C/min.
Step 6. Adjust the air velocity to that used in Step 1, and restart the dust
feed to maintain the dust concentration as in Step 2.
Step 8. Stop the dust feed, stop or reduce the air speed to no greater than
2.5 m/s, and allow the test item to return to standard laboratory
conditions at a rate not to exceed 3 °C/min. Stop any air flow and
allow the dust to settle.
Step 10. Remove accumulated dust from the test item by brushing or
wiping, taking care to avoid introduction of additional dust or
disturbing any that may have already entered the test item. See
paragraph 3.9. Do NOT remove dust by either air blast or vacuum
cleaning unless these methods are likely to be used in service.
Step 11. Inspect the test item for dust penetration, giving special attention
to bearings, seals, lubricants, filters, ventilation points, etc.
Document the results.
Step 12. Perform a functional test in accordance with the approved test
plan, and document the results for comparison with pre-test data.
See Chapter 6 for evaluation of results.
Step 13. If required, clean the test item further to ensure that personnel that
will be handling or occupying the test item are not exposed to
unnecessary health hazards.
All items require a pre-test standard ambient checkout to provide baseline data.
Conduct the pre-test checkout as follows:
Step 3. Position the test item at the required distance from the sand
injection point. Orient the test item to expose the most critical or
vulnerable parts to the dust stream.
Step 4. Ensure the test item is grounded (either through direct contact
with the test chamber or with a grounding strap).
NOTE: If required to change the orientation during the test, ensure that the
instrumentation and fixtures will allow this to occur.
Step 5. Conduct a functional test in accordance with the test plan and
record results.
Step 6. If the test item operates satisfactorily, proceed to Step 1 of the test
procedure. If not, resolve the problem and restart at Step 1 of pre-
test checkout.
CAUTION: When temperature conditioning, ensure the total test time at elevated
temperatures do not exceed the life expectancy of any safety critical materials.
This is particularly applicable to energetic materials. See Method 300.
Step 2. Adjust the air velocity to that required by the test plan.
Step 3. Adjust the sand feeder to obtain the sand mass flow rate
determined from the pre-test calibration.
Step 5. If functioning of the test item during the test is required, perform
a functional test of the item during the last hour of the test and
document the results. The functional test should be performed
during the exposure of the most vulnerable face. If not, proceed
to Step 6.
Step 6. Stop the sand feed. Allow the chamber air temperature to return
to standard laboratory conditions at a rate not to exceed
3 °C/min. Stabilize the test item temperature. Stop any air flow
through the chamber.
Step 7. Visually inspect the item looking for clogging effects, abrasion,
and sand accumulation that may impede operation of the test
item.
Step 9. Remove accumulated sand from the test item by using the
methods anticipated to be used in service such as brushing,
wiping, shaking, etc., taking care to avoid introduction of
additional sand into the test item.
Step 10. Visually inspect the test item looking for abrasion and clogging
effects, and any evidence of sand penetration. Document the
results.
Step 11. Conduct a functional test of the test item in accordance with the
approved test plan and record results for comparison with pre-
test data.
In addition to the guidance provided in Method 300 the following are provided to
assist in the evaluation of the test results. Determine if:
a. Sand or dust has penetrated the test item in sufficient quantity to cause
binding, clogging, seizure or blocking of moving parts, non-operation of
contacts or relays, or the formation of electrically conductive paths with
resulting short circuits.
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METHOD 314
CONTAMINATION BY FLUIDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 314
CONTENTS - Continued
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 314
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
Select the tests described in this Method when there is a high probability of fluid
contamination during the materiel's life cycle. Contamination may arise from exposure
to fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, solvents and cleaning fluids, de-icing and anti-
freeze fluids, runway de-icers, insecticides, disinfectants, coolant dielectric fluid, and
fire extinguishants.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This test is not intended to demonstrate the suitability of materiel to perform during
continuous contact with a fluid, e.g., an immersed fuel pump, nor should it be used to
demonstrate resistance to electrolytic corrosion.
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2. TEST GUIDANCE
a. Packaging failure.
e. Adhesion failures.
f. Paint/legend removal.
g. Corrosion.
The following groups of fluids are listed in Table I. In addition to the guidance provided
below, consider that personnel and/or their clothing may introduce the contaminant in
areas not normally considered for direct contamination.
2.2.1. Fuels
Fuels will, for the most part, be of the gasoline or kerosene type, and whereas the
former may be expected to evaporate rapidly - possibly with few permanently harmful
effects, the latter - being more persistent - can be damaging to many elastomers,
particularly at elevated temperatures. Fuels do not normally affect paints and most
plastics, but silicone resin bonded boards may tend to de-laminate after prolonged
exposure. Some fuels may have additives to inhibit icing or to dissipate static charges.
Where there is reason to believe that these additives may increase the severity of the
test, include them in the test fluids.
Many areas of aircraft or vehicles may require dirt or grease removal before servicing
can begin. The fluids given in Table 1 are representative of those presently in use.
These fluids may be applied, often at elevated temperatures, to the leading edges,
intakes, etc., of aircraft and may penetrate areas where they can contaminate
components and equipment. These fluids are based, typically, on inhibited ethylene
glycols.
These fluids are used on runways and other areas to lower the freezing point of water.
They may penetrate undercarriage and equipment bays of aircraft as a fine mist.
2.2.7. Insecticides
Aircraft flying in and through the tropics may be treated with insecticide sprays as a
routine precaution. To ensure that these will not have an adverse effect on materiel, it
may be necessary to make exploratory tests using proprietary insecticides.
2.2.8. Disinfectant
The primary contaminating agent is likely to be the disinfectant used, that will be a
formaldehyde/phenol preparation, and its use on waste liquid from galleys and toilet
compartments, where a leak may permit contamination of materiel below the leak.
These are used as thermal transfer liquids to assist cooling of certain equipment. They
are usually based on silicate ester materials, and their effects on materials may be
considered to be similar to the phosphate ester hydraulic fluids, although not quite as
severe.
Halon (chloro bromo fluoro hydrocarbon) or similar compounds are likely to be used on
aircraft, and will be relatively short-lived. Ground-based extinguishants are aqueous
foams derived from fluoro chemicals or fluoroproteins. Their effects will be mainly due
to water or buildup of trapped residues. The necessity for testing with these products
is based on the need to maintain equipment functioning after release of the
extinguishant.
There are three exposure options provided in the test procedure: occasional
contamination, intermittent contamination, and extended contamination. The
requirements document should specify the option to be used based on the
anticipated life cycle scenario, along with the order of application of the test fluids if
more than one is required.
2.4. SEQUENCE
Do not perform these tests prior to other climatic environmental tests because of
potential effect of the contaminants or their removal by decontaminants.
The most significant parameters used in this test method are the fluid to be used, the
temperature and duration of exposure. It is also important in this test procedure to
specify the operational configuration of the test item, as well as whether or not the test
item is heat dissipating during operation.
Select a test fluid(s) from those listed in Table 1 that is representative of that commonly
encountered during the life cycle. Each specified test fluid is the worst case
representative of a group of fluids and is the most likely to affect the performance of the
materiel. In the requirements document list other fluids identified during the tailoring
When more than one test fluid is to be applied, consider the following:
c. If the test item should be cleaned between or after tests, or if a new test
item should be used for each test fluid. Choice of cleaning fluid should
not result in further contamination. Some of the specified test fluids
may be used as cleaning fluids (e.g., aviation fuel, solvents, or cleaning
fluids), otherwise, a fluid known to be used in normal cleaning
procedures should be used.
Use a test item temperature representative of the materiel temperature when exposed
to the contaminating fluid. For example, materiel to be de-iced will most likely be at or
below freezing; materiel exposed to hydraulic leaks while on tarmac may have surface
temperatures above 50 °C.
In most cases, use the temperature of the test fluid equal to its temperature during its
most extreme operating condition. Design assessment may prove that other
temperatures provide a more severe environment, e.g., longer exposure at lower
temperatures because of slower evaporation. Table I includes worst-case test fluid
temperatures.
In order for contamination effects to mature, a soak of the test item following
contamination is necessary. The temperature of both the contaminating fluid and the
materiel will, most likely, change during actual contamination situations. The post-
contamination soak will not necessarily reflect the exposure scenario, but rather the
worst-case effect(s) on the materiel. Accordingly, for the soak temperature, use the
materiel's maximum life cycle temperature for the anticipated exposure situation.
Unless otherwise justified, expose the contaminated test item to the required soak
temperature (paragraph 2.5.3.3) for a minimum of 96 hours.
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In addition to that provided in See Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, following information
shall be provided:
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
In addition to the information provided in Method 300 Chapter 5, use a test facility that
includes an enclosure and a temperature control mechanism designed to maintain the
test item at a specified temperature. The contamination facility is a tank within the test
enclosure (non-reactive with the contaminant) in which the test item is exposed to the
selected contaminant by immersion, spraying, splashing or brushing. Design the
temperature control mechanism to maintain the test item at the specified temperature.
When the flash point of the test fluid is lower than the test temperature, design the test
facility to fire and explosion standards.
4.2. CONTROLS
In addition to the controls provided in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4, ensure the test
and cleaning (decontaminating) fluids are handled and disposed as required by local
environmental and safety requirements. Some test fluid specifications are referenced
in Table I.
4.4. PROCEDURE
The following test procedure may be used to determine the resistance of the material
to contaminating fluids. Conduct the operational checks after each exposure to each of
the specified fluids.
Before starting the test procedure, determine the information specified in Method 300
Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified in Method 300
Chapter 2. Unless otherwise specified, clean the test item to remove unrepresentative
coatings or deposits of grease. If more than one fluid has been identified, determine if
each is to be evaluated simultaneously or sequentially. If sequential testing is
specified, specify in the requirements document any necessary cleaning method
between tests for different contaminants.
Step 2. Stabilize the test item at the appropriate temperature for the
identified contamination scenario (see paragraph 2.5.3.1).
Step 4.
Step 5. Allow the test item to drain naturally. Shaking or wiping is not
permitted but, if representative of service conditions, it may be
rotated about any axis to allow for drainage from different
positions.
Before mixing two or more fluids, ensure they are compatible and will not produce hazardous
reactions.
Step 10. If testing sequentially, repeat steps 2-9 for each specified fluid.
Step 11. If specified, store the test item at standard ambient conditions to
permit evaluation of any long-term effects.
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In addition Method 300, Chapter 9, any contamination effects must be analyzed for its
immediate or potential (long term) effects on the proper functioning of the test item.
Satisfactory operation immediately following this test is not the sole criterion for
pass/fail.
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g. Tri alkyl phosphate is a typical synthetic hydraulic oil. Spillage can cause
toxic pollution of waterways and underground water supplies.
a. Propan-2-ol is flammable.
a. All aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol are toxic and the inclusion of
25% urea will promote the growth of algae.
b. The most recent coolants are based on polymerized alpha olefins that
are both non-toxic and generally inert.
The propellant gases currently used to produce foaming are chloro fluoro
hydrocarbons (CFC's). These react with ozone and are therefore environmentally
destructive.
A.7. INSECTICIDES
Most insecticides may be regarded as toxic to man. If the delivery vehicle for the
insecticide is a kerosene-type (fuel/oil) spray or mist, many of the features identified
under paragraph 1 above will also apply.
METHOD 315
FREEZE / THAW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 315
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 315
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
This test is applicable to materiel that will experience one or more excursions through
freeze point while wet or in the presence of moisture (free water or vapour). See
paragraph 2.2 for specific examples.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This test is not intended to evaluate the effects of low temperature, thermal shock,
rain or icing. These may be determined by Methods 303, 304, 310 and 311
respectively.
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2 TEST GUIDANCE
c. Failure of seals.
NOTE: Tests for fogging are only appropriate for materiel designed to not fog
or that has built-in de-fogging capabilities).
The most significant parameters to be specified for this test method are temperature,
moisture level/form, test item configuration (operational or storage) and the number of
freeze/thaw cycles.
The temperatures used shall be within the storage or operational range of the test item.
Normally, the temperature cycle ranges between + 5 °C and -10 °C for diurnal cycling
effects, and -10 °C to standard ambient (Method 300 Chapter 3), but these can be
varied as required to achieve the desired effects.
2.3.2. Moisture
Water used to create the test moisture may be drawn from local (clean) water sources.
The moisture may be applied as a water vapour or free water (spray).
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In addition to the information derived from Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, a brief
scenario of service conditions should be provided to explain the intended simulation.
Also state:
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
In addition to the requirements specified in Method 300 Chapter5, the use of two
chambers is recommended for Procedures II and III in order to simulate the sudden
temperature changes often associated with movement between outside ambient and
indoor conditions. For procedures II and III, either a single chamber or combination
of chambers is acceptable as long as the test procedure requirements are satisfied.
4.2. CONTROLS
4.4. PROCEDURES
b. Ensure any fluids contained in the test item are compatible with the
temperatures used in the test.
Step 2. Place the test item in the test chamber at standard ambient
Step 5. When the test item surface temperature reaches 0 °C, ensure
frost has formed on the test item surfaces. If so, go to Step 6; if
not, repeat Steps 3 and 4 using a faster heating rate.
Step 6. Continue raising the test chamber towards a test item surface
temperature of 4 °C (water at maximum density) until the frost just
melts, then reduce the temperature linearly to 10 °C below the
freeze point over a period of three hours. Maintain the conditions
for a minimum of one hour following test item temperature
stabilization.
Step 8. Maintain the chamber and test item at the low temperature
conditions until a visual examination and/or performance checks
have been completed.
Step 2. Place the test item in the test chamber at standard ambient
conditions and in the required configuration.
Step 5. Start operation and any performance tests of the test item 60 15
seconds after completion of the transfer, and document results.
Step 6. Return the test item to the low temperature chamber and repeat
Steps 3-5 as required to complete the number of cycles identified
in paragraph 2.3.5.
Step 2. Place the test item in the test chamber at standard ambient
conditions and in the required configuration.
Step 4. Transfer the test item as quickly as possible and in not more than
5 minutes to another chamber stabilized at 10 °C below the freeze
point. The use of insulated transport containers is recommended.
Stabilize the test item temperature and hold for one additional
hour.
Step 6. If more than one cycle is required, stabilize the test item at room
Step 10. Adjust the test item to standard ambient conditions and repeat
Steps 3-9 as necessary to verify prior results.
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METHOD 316
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 316
INTENTIONALLY BLANK
II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 316
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
This method applies to all materiel designed for use in the vicinity of fuel-air explosive
atmospheres associated with aircraft, automotive and marine fuels at or above sea
level. Procedure II specifically relates to atmospheres in a space in which flammable
fluids or vapors exist, or can exist, either continuously or intermittently (e.g., in fuel
tanks or within fuel systems). NOTE: Materiel tested to Procedure II is designed
such that ignition of an explosive mixture is contained within the materiel without
igniting the surrounding explosive atmosphere; and, during normal operation, or as a
result of any fault, the temperature of any external surface will not rise to a level
capable of causing ignition (including hermetically-sealed materiel). Use other
explosive atmosphere safety tests (e.g., electrical or mine safety) if more appropriate.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
a. This test utilizes an explosive mixture that has a relatively low flash
point that may not be representative of some actual fuel-air or aerosol
(such as suspended dust) mixtures.
Conversely, the ignition of the test fuel-air mixture by the test item does
not mean the materiel will always ignite fuel vapours that occur in actual
use.
d. Because this test is designed for electrical spark ignition, this method is
not intended to demonstrate ignition due to high surface temperatures.
2. TEST GUIDANCE
May be used to determine the ability of all sealed and unsealed materiel to operate
safely in a fuel-vapour laden environment.
Is used to determine the ability of the test item's case or other enclosures to contain
an explosion or flame that is a result of an internal materiel malfunction.
2.3. SEQUENCE
Considering the approach to conserve test item life by applying what are perceived to
be the least damaging environments first, generally apply explosive atmosphere tests
late in the test sequence. Vibration, shock, and temperature stresses may distort
seals and reduce their effectiveness, thus making ignition of flammable atmospheres
more likely. It is recommended that the test items first undergo vibration, shock,
and/or temperature testing.
2.4.1. Fuel
Unless otherwise specified, use n-hexane as the test fuel, either reagent grade or
95% n-hexane with 5% other hexane isomers. This fuel is used because its ignition
properties in flammable atmospheres are equal to or more sensitive than the similar
properties of both 100/130 octane aviation gasoline, JP-4 and JP-8 jet engine fuel.
Optimum mixtures of n-hexane and air will ignite from hot-spot temperatures as low
as 223 °C, while optimum JP-4 fuel-air mixtures require a minimum temperature of
230 °C for auto-ignition, and 100/130 octane aviation gasoline and air requires 441 °C
for hot-spot ignition. Minimum spark energy inputs for ignition of optimum fuel vapour
and air mixtures are essentially the same for n-hexane and for 100/130-octane
aviation gasoline. Much higher spark energy input is required to ignite JP-4 or JP-8
fuel and air mixtures. Use of fuels other than hexane is not recommended.
WARNING: Due to the hazardous nature of the fuels used in this test, the Test
Facility Operators must ensure that they comply with Local and National
Regulations, especially with respect to the personal exposure levels, pollution,
and hazardous material disposal.
Use a homogeneous fuel-air mixture in the correct fuel-air ratios for the explosive
atmosphere test. Fuel weight calculated to total 3.8 percent by volume of the test
atmosphere represents 1.8 stoichiometric equivalents of n-hexane in air, giving a
mixture needing only minimum energy for ignition. This yields an air/vapour ratio
(AVR) of 8.33 by weight.
(5) Net volume of the test chamber: free volume less test item
displacement expressed in liters.
b. Calculation of the volume of liquid n-hexane fuel for each test altitude:
0.68
0.675
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY0.67
0.665
0.66
0.655
0.65
Figure 1: 0.645
Specific gravity of n-hexane
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 °C
TEMPERATURE
2.4.3. Temperature
Heat the fuel-air mixture to the highest ambient air temperature at which the materiel
is required to function during deployment and provide the greatest probability of
ignition. Perform all testing at this maximum air temperature. For forced-air-cooled
materiel, use the highest temperature at which the materiel can be operated and
performance evaluated in the absence of cooling air as the test temperature.
The effect of humidity upon the fuel-air composition need not be considered in the
test if the ambient air dewpoint temperature is 10 °C or less because this
concentration of water vapour only increases the n-hexane fuel concentration from
3.82 percent to 3.85 percent of the test atmosphere. If the atmospheric pressure is
cycled from an equivalent of 1525 metres above the test level to site pressure (a 17
percent change in pressure), the volume of n-hexane will decrease from 4.61 percent
to 3.85 percent. This decrease will compensate for the fuel enrichment effect that
results from water vapour dilution of the test air supply.
The energy required to ignite a fuel mixture increases as pressure decreases. All test
conditions will be met with two steps in a single explosive atmosphere test performed
at the highest anticipated operating altitude of the materiel (not exceed 12,200 m
where the possibility of an explosion begins to dissipate), and between 78 and
107 kPa (most ground ambient pressures).
2.5. DEFINITIONS
b. Test altitude. The nominal simulated height(s) above sea level at which
the test item will be tested, i.e., the maximum altitude identified in
paragraph 2.4.5.
In addition to the information specified in Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, the following
are required:
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test facility, test conditions and test control
information.
Use a chamber with a means of igniting the fuel-air mixture such as a spark-gap
device, as well as a means of determining the explosiveness of a sample of the
mixture such as a spark-gap or glow plug ignition source with sufficient energy to
ignite a 3.82-percent hexane mixture. An alternative method of determining the
explosive characteristics of the vapour is by using a calibrated explosive gas meter
that verifies the degree of explosiveness and the concentration of the fuel-air mixture.
4.2. CONTROLS
See General Guidance and Requirements, paragraph 10 and consider the following:
4.4. PROCEDURE
Before starting the test procedure, determine the information specified in Method 300
Chapters 4 and 6. Perform the test preparation procedure specified in Method 300
Chapter 2, and include the following:
b. Procedure I
(1) Install the test item in the test chamber in such a manner that it
may be functioned and controlled from the exterior of the
chamber via sealed cable ports. Remove or loosen the external
covers of the test item to facilitate the penetration of the
explosive mixture. Test items requiring connection between two
or more units may, because of size limitations, have to be tested
independently. In this case, extend any interconnections through
the cable ports.
c. Procedure II
(1) Make provision to circulate the fuel-air mixture into the case
being tested. In the case of forced-air-cooled materiel, the
cooling air must contain the proper fuel-air mixture. For materiel
not using forced-air cooling, drill and tap the case for insertion of
a hose from a blower (to insert the fuel-air mixture), as well as for
an outlet hose connection. Take adequate precautions to
prevent ignition of the ambient mixture by backfire or release of
pressure through the supply or vent hose. Do not alter the case
internal volume by more than ± 5% with any modification to
facilitate the introduction of ignitable vapor.
(4) Ensure the air within the test chamber has a water vapor dew
point lower than 10 °C (see paragraph 2.4.4).
Step 1. With the test item installed, seal the chamber and stabilize the
test item and chamber inner walls to within 10 °C below the high
operating temperature of the test item.
Step 3. Slowly introduce the required volume of n-hexane into the test
chamber.
Step 6. Function the test item and continue operation from this step until
completion of step 8. Ensure electrical contacts are actuated as
frequently as reasonably possible.
Step 7. To ensure adequate mixing of the fuel and air, slowly decrease
the simulated chamber altitude at a rate no faster than 100
metres per minute by bleeding air into the chamber.
Step 8. Stop decreasing the altitude at 1000 m below the test altitude,
perform one last functional check and switch off power to the test
item.
Step 10. Adjust the chamber air pressure to simulate the altitude at the
ground level where the test is being performed plus 2000 metres
to allow for introducing, vapourising and mixing the fuel with the
air as described in 2.4.2.
Step 11. Slowly introduce the required volume of n-hexane into the test
chamber for testing at ground level. If desired, introduction of the
required volume of fuel can commence at any point following
completion of Step 9.
Step 12. Circulate the test atmosphere and continue to reduce the
simulated chamber altitude for at least three minutes to allow for
complete vapourisation of fuel and the development of a
homogeneous mixture.
Step 14. Function the test item and continue operation from this step until
completion of Step 16. Ensure electrical contacts are actuated
as frequently as reasonably possible.
Step 15. To ensure adequate mixing of the fuel and air, slowly decrease
the simulated chamber altitude at a rate no faster than 100
metres per minute by bleeding air into the chamber.
Step 16. Stop decreasing the altitude at ground pressure, perform one last
functional check and switch off power to the test item.
Step 1. Place the test item or a model of the test item of the same
volume and configuration within the case, and install the case in
the explosion chamber.
Step 2. Ensure that the air within the test chamber has a water vapor
dew point lower than 10 °C per paragraph 2.4.4.
Step 3. Seal the chamber with the test item inside, and raise the ambient
air temperature inside the chamber to high operating
temperature of the test item.
Step 4. When the temperature of the both the test item and the test
chamber inner walls come to within 11 °C of the chamber
ambient air temperature, reduce the chamber air pressure to
2000 m of simulated altitude above the site ambient pressure
(i.e., ground level).
Step 5. Slowly introduce the required quantity of n-hexane into the test
chamber to obtain an optimum fuel-vapor/air mixture, and then
introduce it into the interior of the test item.
Step 6. Slowly decrease the simulated chamber altitude (no faster than
100 metres per minute) to return the pressure altitude to site
ambient pressure (i.e., ground level).
Step 7. Energize the internal case ignition source and confirm the
occurrence of an explosion within the test item using the installed
thermocouple. If no explosion occurs, purge the chamber and
the test item of all air/fuel vapor and return to Step 3.
Step 8. If the explosion inside the test item’s case did not propagate to
the fuel/air mixture outside the test item, repeat Steps 4-10 four
times if the test item’s case is not in excess of 0.02 times the
chamber volume. If the test item volume is equal to or greater
than 0.02 times the chamber volume, purge the chamber and
test item of air/fuel vapor and repeat Steps 3-10 four times.
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In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapter 9 for Procedure I, ignition of test
fuel vapour constitutes failure of the test item. For Procedure II, propagation of flame
to, or ignition of, a flammable atmosphere surrounding the test item when the test
atmosphere within the enclosure or case of the test item is intentionally ignited,
constitutes failure of the test. Apply any data relative to failure of a test item to meet
the requirements of the materiel specifications to the test analysis.
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METHOD 317
TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, ALTITUDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 317
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 317
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
2. This test method is used when the requirements documents state that the
materiel is likely to be transported or operated in situations where combination of
temperature, humidity and pressure variations may occur.
4. Some of these situations, such as those encountered with specific jet fighter
missions, may produce cyclic variations of those environments due to rapid variations
1.3. LIMITATIONS
2 TEST GUIDANCE
The essential parameters for defining the combined environment tests (procedures I
and II) include air temperature, associated humidity and pressure, exposure time
(duration), and test item configuration. Such data can be tailored from ground
temperature/humidity data extracted from AECTP 200, Category 230, from reference
tables of standard atmospheres (e.g., ISO 5878) and from temperature / humidity /
pressure conditions measured in aircraft cargo-bays during operational use. Test
parameters for Procedure II are highly dependent on the tactical mission profile,
which include air speed, rate of climb or descent, atmospheric temperature and air
humidity at low altitude.
The severities of the ground conditions are directly related to the climatic categories
of the geographical locations. They are based upon actual measurements or taken
from climatic data documents such as AECTP 200, Category 230. Altitude conditions
may be obtained from:
1. For the logistic air transport conditions, the induced air conditions are those
encountered in the cargo-bay. The main characteristics of this environment are
described in AECTP 200, Category 230 (for consideration if specific measured data
are not available).
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test conditions, test facility, and test control
information.
4.2. CONTROLS
Monitoring and control of the humidity inside the test enclosure may be accomplished
by using psychrometric systems, but when lowering air pressure inside the chamber it
may induce inaccurate monitoring of the humidity. New types of capacitive sensors
allow control of humidity in the chamber at lower pressure levels than psychrometric
systems.
The temperature of the air surrounding the test item must be measured at a distance
equal to half that separating the test item from the walls of the enclosure, without
exceeding 1 metre from the test item. Care must be taken when taking these
measurements due to low air density.
Unless otherwise specified, the rate of change of altitude shall not exceed 10 m/s.
4.4. PROCEDURES
The following test procedures provide the basis for assessing the suitability of the test
item in a combination of temperature, pressure and humidity environment.
Before starting any of the test procedures, determine the information specified in
Method 300 Chapters 4 and 6, and perform the test preparation procedure specified
in Method 300 Chapter 2.
Step 1. Place the test item in its air-transport configuration and install it in
the test chamber. (If appropriate, the configuration may include
loading due to normal stacking configurations.)
Step 1. With the test item configured for operation, adjust the chamber air
conditions to either the standard or controlled ambient conditions
(see Method 300 Chapter 3), and conduct a pretest checkout.
Step 6. Maintain these conditions for the time specified in the test plan. If
required in the test plan, conduct an operational check of the test
item in accordance with the approved test plan, and document the
results.
Step 10. With the test item not operating, stabilize the test item at standard
or controlled ambient conditions.
Step 11. Conduct an operational check of the test item in accordance with
the approved test plan, and document the results for comparison
with pretest data. Visually examine the test item to the extent
practical, to determine the extent of any physical damage.
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Table 1. Statistical Values of Air Temperature at Various Altitudes in the Northern Hemisphere
LATITUDE 15N 30N 45N 60N 80N
Altitude Pressure
M 1% 10% 20% M 1% 10% 20% M 1% 10% 20% M 1% 10% 205 M 1% 10% 20%
km (kft) Mbar (hpa)
3 (10) 700 10.5 +6 +8 +9 4.8 -8 -4 -2 -5 -24 -19 -17 -13 -37 -31 -28 -17 -37 -32 -30
4.5 (15) 533 -3 -8 -6 -5 -12 -21 -17 -15 -25 -40 -34 -31 -34 -50 -43 -40 -39 -51 -46 -43
7.7 (25) 366 -20 -26 -23 -22 -28 -37 -33 -31 -40 -53 -47 -45 -45 -60 -53 -51 -49 -61 -56 -53
9.25 (30) 300 -36 -43 -40 -38 -44 -54 -50 -48 -54 -67 -61 -59 -56 -70 -64 -62 -60 -71 -66 -64
10.8 (35) 250 -43 -50 -47 -45 -48 -58 -54 -53 -55 -68 -62 -60 -56 -70 -64 -62 -61 -72 -67 -65
12.3 (40) 200 -53 -60 -56 -55 -54 -64 -60 -59 -56 -69 -63 -61 -56 -70 -64 -62 -63 -75 -69 -67
13 (42) 185 -56 -63 -60 -58 -56 -66 -62 -60 -56 -69 -63 -61 -56 -70 64 -62 -63 -75 -69 -67
15.5 (50) 125 -69 -77 -73 -72 -63 -74 -70 -70 -57 -71 -65 -62 -56 -70 -64 -61 -66 -78 -72 -70
18.5 (60) 70 -68 -76 -73 -71 -63 -73 -69 -68 -57 -71 -65 -62 -57 -71 -65 -62 -67 -87 -78 -76
21.5 (70) 44 -61 -69 -66 -64 -58 -72 -69 -66 -57 -71 -65 -62 -57 -83 -67 -64 -65 -86 -77 -75
26.2 (85) 20 -51 -58 -55 -52 -50 -60 -55 -54 -57 -73 -70 -62 -60 -85 -75 -69 -65 -89 -79 -74
For each altitude and latitude north, the mean value of temperature (M) is given together with those temperatures that are
equal or lower than 1%, 10%, or 20% of the period of the two coldest winter month
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METHOD 318
VIBRATION, TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, ALTITUDE
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 318
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 319
METHOD 319
ACIDIC ATMOSPHERE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 319
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II Edition D Version 1
AECTP-300
METHOD 319
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE
1. SCOPE
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. APPLICATION
Use this test method when the requirements documents state that the materiel is likely
to be stored or operated in areas where acidic atmospheres exist such as industrial
areas or near the exhausts of any fuel-burning device.
1.3. LIMITATIONS
This method is not a replacement for the salt fog method, nor is it suitable for
evaluating the effects of hydrogen sulphide.
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CHAPTER 2 GUIDANCE/REQUIREMENTS
2. GUIDANCE/REQUIREMENTS
Acidic atmospheres are of increasing concern, especially for materiel in the vicinity of
industrial areas or near the exhausts of fuel burning devices. Examples of problems
that could occur as a result of acidic atmosphere exposure are as follows. The list is
not intended to be all-inclusive, and some of the examples may overlap the categories.
Reference 6a. provides further information
b. Corrosion of metals.
When an acidic atmosphere test is deemed necessary, the procedure included in this
method is considered suitable for most applications. The tailoring options are limited.
2.3. SEQUENCE
1. Perform acidic atmosphere testing after any humidity or fungus testing, and
before any sand and dust testing or other tests that damage protective coatings.
a. Sand and dust testing deposits may inhibit acid effects as well as abrade
protective coatings;
2. Because this test is similar in severity to the salt fog test, recommend separate
test items be used for each.
The essential parameters for defining the acidic atmosphere test include exposure
temperature, exposure time (duration), test item configuration, chemical composition of
the test atmosphere, and concentration of the test solution.
2.4.1. Temperature
The test method and exposure temperature used in this procedure are similar to those
used in the salt fog test.
Two severity levels are defined (reference 6b.). In view of the complexity of naturally
occurring corrosion processes, no strict equivalencies with real exposure can be
quoted. Use severity "A" below for simulating infrequent periods of exposure, or for
exposure in areas of low acidity. Use severity "B" below to represent approximately 10
years natural exposure in a moist, highly industrial area, or a shorter period in close
proximity to vehicle exhaust systems, particularly ship funnel exhausts where the
potential acidity is significantly higher.
a. Do not enter the chamber during spraying and, before entry after
spraying, purge the chamber with clean air to a level that will satisfy local
safety requirements. Continue purging at intervals if necessary to ensure
the concentration of noxious fumes remains at a suitably low level.
The test item will not normally be required to function during the test, but may be
required to do so on completion, or on completion of a representative sequence of
environmental tests.
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In addition to the information required in Method 300 Chapter 6, provide the following
information:
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See Method 300 Chapters 3, 4, and 5 for test conditions, test facility, and test control
information.
b. Do not respray acidic test solution drippings from the walls and ceilings of
the chamber and from the test item. Vent the exposure chamber to
prevent pressure buildup.
e. Use a chamber with a means for injecting the acid solution into the test
chamber, and with an input air humidifier to minimize clogging of the
nozzles. Use atomizers of such design and construction as to produce a
finely divided, wet, dense fog. Use atomizing nozzles and a piping
system made of material that is non-reactive to the acid solution. Use a
facility designed to provide the required atomization distribution and
fallout.
farthest point from the nozzle. If multiple nozzles are used, the same
principles apply. Place the receptacles so that they are not shielded by
the test item and will not collect drops of solution from the test item or
other sources.
4.2. CONTROLS
In addition to that specified in Method 300 Chapters 3 and 4, the following controls
apply to this test:
a. Compressed air: Preheat the oil and dirt-free compressed air used to
produce the atomized solution (to offset the cooling effects of expansion
to atmospheric pressure) and pre-humidify it such that the temperature is
35 ± 2 °C and the relative humidity is in excess of 85% at the nozzle (see
Table 1).
c. Test section air circulation: Use an air velocity in the test chambers that
is minimal (essentially zero).
4.4. PROCEDURE
The following test procedure provides the basis for assessing the suitability of the test
item in an acidic atmosphere environment, and has limited tailorability.
(1) Do not enter the chamber during spraying and, before entry after
spraying, purge the chamber with clean air to a level that will
satisfy local safety requirements. Continue purging at intervals if
necessary to ensure the concentration of noxious fumes remains
at a suitably low level.
b. Chamber operation verification: Immediately before the test and with the
exposure chamber empty, adjust all test parameters to those levels
required for the test. Maintain these conditions for at least one 24-hour
period (or until proper operation and fallout collection can be verified).
With the exception of fallout rate, continuously monitor all test
parameters to verify that the test chamber is operating properly.
Step 1. With the test item installed in the test chamber in its storage
configuration (or as otherwise specified in the requirements
documents), adjust the test chamber temperature to 35 °C and
temperature condition the test item for at least 2 hours before
introducing the acid solution.
Step 2. Expose the test item to one of the two following severities as
specified in the test plan. (See paragraph 2.4.2.)
Step 7. At the end of this test, and in conformity with the requirements
documents, examine the test item for corrosion and deterioration
of parts, finishes, materials and components.
In addition to the failure criteria in Method 300 Chapter 9, any corrosion must be
analyzed for its immediate or potential effect on the proper functioning of the test item.
Satisfactory operation following this test is not the sole criterion for pass/fail.
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a. IEC 68-2-52, 1966, Test Kb, Salt Mist, Cyclic, NaCl solution.