Q&A: How combined fluids and materials testing can help aerospace companies optimize components

In challenging environments, validating material compatibility is critical to performance success. A combined testing program can provide a more complete understanding of material behavior.

We provide an overview of how a combined testing program can help aerospace companies optimize their component performance in a volatile environments.

How can this testing be customized?

Smithers specializes in developing custom testing programs based around client requirements and the end-use environment conditions for the material. For clients looking to enhance specific material properties, or compare the physical performance of different test samples we can design a test program around these specified parameters.

What are the key standards for aerospace?

There are numerous standards which involved fluid compatibility testing:

RCTA-DO-160 — Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment
Mil-STD-810 – Method 504 Contamination by Fluids
DEF-STAN 00-035 – Chapter 4-04 Test CN4 – Contamination by Fluids
BS ISO 1817 – Rubber, vulcanised or thermoplastic – Determination of the effect of liquids
SAE J2260 – Resistance to Zinc Chloride on non-metallic fuel system and coolant pipes.

What common combinations are there for fluid susceptibility and physical testing?

We regularly perform a combined testing program on aerospace hoses, including:

Fuel hoses: both aviation and automotive fuels
Hydraulic hoses: wide range of hydraulic fluids
Coolant hoses: wide range of coolant fluids
Seals: from fluid distribution systems to window seals, these could encounter a wide range of fluids.

After the initial fluid compatibility test program is complete, a visual examination of the condition of the sample’s surface will be undertaken and recorded. Depending on client requirements and sample configuration we can tailor a physical testing program around the fluids testing, assessing a range of physical qualities such as: