scope:

PURPOSE

This document provides general guidance related to the climatic test methods of AECTP-300. It also defines the general test conditions and associated tolerances utilised with the test methods of AECTP-300. Its purpose is to provide general guidance and requirements for preparing the Environmental Test Program (captured within the Test Plan or Test Procedures).

The conditions and tolerances of this document are set for standardisation purposes and are intended to be generally applicable where no specific advice is supplied. However, where different conditions and tolerances are stated in the applicable test methods of AECTP-300 or in the relevant Environmental Test Specification, they shall take precedence over those stated in this document.

APPLICATION

This method includes information which should be considered when adapting the generic test methods of AECTP-300 for any specific environmental test program. Method 300 provides information relative to:

a. Test program development.

b. Test parameter values.

c. Exposure duration.

d. Test item configuration.

e. Information required prior to and following testing.

f. Test parameter tolerances.

g. Characteristics of test facilities.

h. Temperature stabilization.

i. Test controls.

j. Test interruption.

k. Functional Test Points:

(1) Pre-Test

(2) During Test

(3) Post Test

LIMITATIONS

The primary limitation of the Methods within AECTP-300 is that they are largely intended to simulate the natural environments, however they cannot fully replicate all the synergistic effects of the natural conditions. General limitations relevant to the application of the Climatic Test Methods include:

a. Identification of all the relevant environmental conditions.

b. Limited ability to operate and evaluate the test item as required in service.

c. Limited environmental data (response or input).

d. Inability of test facilities to replicate and / or apply the climatic elements as they occur in the service environment.

e. Impracticality of performing tests for durations comparable to field exposure.

f. This standard only addresses natural environments found within the atmosphere up to 30,000 m (98,425 ft). Beyond this, other standards addressing non-terrestrial / space environments should be considered, for example (not an exhaustive list):

(1) The US Range Commanders Council (RCC) Series

(2) The European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) Publications

(3) ECSS-E-ST-10-04C - Space Environment

(4) BS ISO 17851:2016 Space systems. Space environment simulation for material tests. General principles and criteria

These limitations should be addressed in the preparation of the Test Plan and Test Procedures for the specific application (see AECTP 100).