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

Smithers expert Ivan Legge provides 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?

We specialize 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:

• Change in hardness
• Weight change
• Volume swell
• Change in dimensions
• Tensile properties
• Compression properties.

Find out more:

Aerospace Testing Facilities.
Fluid Contamination and Susceptibility Testing
Environmental Resistance Testing