Extreme Testing... Icing and Solar Exposure
Posted on: May 11th, 2009
Elite services expanded to include DO-160 Icing Tests and MIL-STD-810 Solar Radiation.
Ice formation on the wings, propellers, and other exterior surfaces of aircraft presents a serious threat to safe and stable flight. Ice can change aircraft aerodynamics or effect the operation of exterior elements such as sensors, landing gear, and actuators. In order to ensure safe and reliable operations, aircraft systems must be tested prior to flight.
Now with recent modifications to our high altitude environmental chamber, Elite can perform tests per the requirements described in RTCA DO-160E/F Section 24 for Categories A, B and C. Sized approximately 48” x48” x 48”, Elite’s chamber is capable of generating the DO-160 icing tests, along with procedures from MIL-STD-810E/F Method 521. Other customized ice formation tests are possible as well.
Sunshine Solar Radiation Testing at Elite per MIL-STD-810F/G.
Solar radiation can be quite damaging to organic materials and coatings. Heat from infrared radiation can cause surfaces to buckle, peel, or soften. Ultraviolet photodegradation can cause fading, chalking, and deterioration of natural and synthetic elastomers and polymers. Put together, these infrared heat and UV radiation stresses present a risk to the aesthetic quality of exterior surfaces and can be a potential reliability hazard for heat susceptible materials and systems.
To help its clients evaluate their products against solar exposure conditions, Elite has developed a new solar radiation test system. This new capability can simulate solar conditions and specifically replicate the solar profiles prescribed in MIL-STD-810F/G Method 505. In addition, the Elite system has the flexibility to tailor test conditions for other solar exposure tests as well.
Elite engineers have constructed the solar chamber to simultaneously control the test temperature and light intensity all while maintaining the spectral light content as described in the specification. By applying a unique lighting system, the proportions of IR, UV and visible wavelengths and intensity can be adjusted to meet many different specification requirements. In addition, the light source has a large uniform area of exposure allowing concurrent testing of multiple test coupons or testing of large items.
These solar and icing tests along with our vibration, temperature, and EMC testing provide Elite clients the convenience of one stop for all development and qualification testing. For additional information on these services, contact our sales staff at 1-800-ELITE-11 or email us at sales@elitetest.com
