Space and aerospace materials can be exposed to continuous temperature changes due for example to changing of sun irridiation (e.g. spin, earth orbit) or to severe working conditions in atmosphere.
The fast thermal cycling test is used for the screening of materials and processes intended for use severe thermal conditions with high and low temperatures.
The test will determine the ability of these or other articles to withstand extreme changes of ambient temperature under air or vacuum.
Post examination (SEM-, LO-microscopy, NDT) and testing (e.g. mechanical tests, electrical tests) can be carried out.
Fast Thermal cycling facility Characteristics
| Typical temperature cycles | |
| Temperature extremes: | -150 °C and +400 °C (+/- 5 °C) |
| Heating and cooling rates: | 70 °C/min +/- 2 °C/min |
| Dwell times at temperature extremes: | 5 +/- 5 min |
| Number of cycles: | 100 |
| Max. specimen size | L1 = 100 mm, L2 = 100 mm, H = 3 mm, 5 pieces L1 = 8 mm, L2 = 10 mm, H = 100 mm, 5 pieces L1 = 8 mm, L2 = 39 mm, H = 100 mm, 1 piece |
volker.liedtke@ait.ac.at