Test method 502, low temperature test evaluates low temperature conditions on material safety. As a certified MIL-STD 810 lab, we realize the importance of low temperature testing. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. Meeting the MIL-810 low temperature shock testing requirements can be difficult.
Keystone Compliance quickly creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. We have a reputation of helping customers achieve their MIL-STD-810 testing certifications. Lastly, our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Keystone provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met.
Request a quote to receive testing services customized to your specific needs. Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with us to achieve their MIL-810 standard test needs.
The Importance of MIL 810 Low Temperature Compliance Testing
Low temperature lab testing is to help assess effects of low temperature test conditions. These conditions can be decided on material safety, integrity and performance during storage operation, and use. An example of this would include material likely to be exposed to a low temperature during its life cycle.
This military standard test does not mimic high altitude or low temperature environments. These environments are associated with unpressurized aircrafts. However, the MIL-STD-810 low temperature test can be used in conjunction to simulate a high altitude and low temperature environment.
How Method 502 Low Temperature Testing Affect Products
Low temperatures have a range of effects on almost all basic materials. Changing the physical properties of the material is a result of low temperature testing. This testing may briefly or permanently impair its operation. Consider a low temperature 810-test when the material will be subjected to temperatures below standard ambient.
Note the following common problems to help determine if the test method is right for the material being tested. This list is not intended to be extensive.
- Hardening of materials.
- Change of the burning rates.
- The solidifying of the shock mounts.
- Cracking of explosive solid pellets or grains, such as ammonium nitrate.
- Cracking and crazing, change in impact strength, and reduced strength.
- Static fatigue of restrained glass.
- Decrease in dexterity, hearing and vision of personnel wearing protective clothing.
- Changes in electrical components (resistors, capacitors, etc).
- Effects due to condensation and freezing of water in or on the material.
- Binding of parts from differential contraction of dissimilar materials.
- Loss of lubrication and lubricant flow due to increased viscosity.
All MIL-STD 810 compliance procedures differ on the basis of the timing and nature of the performance test. The materials expected life cycle may reveal other low temperature scenarios. These scenarios are not addressed in the procedures.
The procedures are tailored to capture the product’s life cycle. However, they do not reduce the basic test requirements reflected in the procedures below. Consider the potential negative effects of temperature, humidity, and altitude. Use method 520 in addition to this method but NOT as a substitute.
Procedure For MIL-810 Low Temperature Method
When selecting a MIL-STD 810 testing procedure, consider the following:
- Functional purpose.
- The natural exposure circumstances.
- The test data required to determine whether the purpose of the material has been met.
- The procedure sequence.
Note that a combination or sequence of procedures is applicable with most cases. This may result in all three procedures being applied. When attempting to combine the procedures, it is preferable to conduct procedure II and then procedure I. However, procedure III can precede one or both operational test standards.
Three design types of temperatures range from Basic Cold (C1), to Cold (C2) to Severe Cold (C3). Temperatures within these design types range from -5 degrees fahrenheit within C1 to -60 in C3.
If the material is stored for prolonged periods of time, the prolonged exposure can affect the safety of items. These items include munitions, life support equipment, etc. While all procedures involve low environmental conditions, they differ on the timing and nature of performance tests.
Procedure I, storage, is used to examine how low the MIL-810 test temperatures during storage affect the material safety during and after storage, and performance after storage.
Procedure II, operation, is used to review how well the material operates in low temperature environments.
Procedure III, manipulation, is used to examine the ease with which the material can be assembled/operated/maintained and disassembled by personnel wearing heavy, cold-weather clothing.
Keystone Compliance Provides Experienced Low Temperature Testing
Here at Keystone Compliance, we employ expert test engineers and properly equip our military testing lab and low temperature, method 502 laboratory in order to provide the needed certifications. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.
Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to MIL-810 low temperature testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise. This includes humidity, sand and dust, rain, and pyroshock.
Ready to get started? We are. Request a quote and learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their MIL-810 compliance testing needs.