MIL-STD-810 Archives - Delserro Engineering Solutions

MIL-STD-810 Temperature Shock Testing

Method 503 in MIL-STD-810 covers procedures for temperature shock or thermal shock testing. Temperature shock testing (as defined in MIL-STD-810H) is a rapid change in air temperature greater than 10°C (18°F) per minute. Temperature shock testing is used to determine if products can withstand sudden changes in the surrounding temperature environment without experiencing physical damage or deterioration in performance. The latest revision is Method 503.7 from MIL-STD-810H.

Some of the Effects of Temperature Shock Environments are:

Shattering of glass and optical material.
Binding or slackening of moving parts.
Differential contraction or expansion rates or induced strain rates of dissimilar materials.
Deformation or fracture of components.
Cracking of surface coatings.
Leaking of sealed compartments.
Failure of insulation protection.
Changes in electrical and electronic components.
Electronic or mechanical failures due to frost formation.

Method 503 Has One Procedure with Four Variations:

Procedure I-A – One-way Shock(s) from Constant Extreme Temperature.
This procedure is for material that is only rarely exposed to thermal shock in one direction. At least one shock is performed from low to high temperature, or vice versa.
Procedure I-B – Single Cycle Shock from Constant Extreme Temperature. For items that are exposed to only one thermal shock cycle (one in each direction). One shock is performed from low-to-high temperature (or vice versa) and then one shock in the opposite direction.
Procedure I-C – Multi-Cycle Shocks from Constant Extreme Temperature. A minimum of three shocks are performed at each condition, i.e., three transfers from cold to hot, three transfers from hot to cold, and a stabilization period after each transfer.
Procedure I-D – Shocks to or from Controlled Ambient Temperature. Procedure I-D follows the durations of Procedures I-A to I-C, except all shocks are to and/or from controlled ambient temperatures.

Test levels for MIL-STD-810 Temperature Shock Testing

Consider the following typical conditions from MIL-STD-810H:

Aircraft flight exposure. For materiel exposed to desert or tropical ground heat with possible direct solar heating, then, immediately afterwards, exposed to the extreme low temperatures associated with high altitude. The item could be subjected to multiple thermal shocks occurring in multiple missions.
Air delivery – desert. For products that are delivered over desert terrain from unheated, high altitude aircraft, then exposed to hot ambient air temperature (no solar loading).
Ground transfer – ambient to or from either cold regions or desert. For items that move from a controlled ambient indoor environment or enclosure to a cold region or desert environment.

For MIL-STD-810 temperature shock testing, the transfer time between the temperatures should be within one minute. The test sample is soaked for as long as necessary to ensure a uniform temperature throughout at least its outer portions. If the Life Cycle Environmental Profile indicates a duration less than that required to achieve stabilization, this duration should be used. If the critical point of interest is near the surface of the item, a shorter duration may apply rather than complete stabilization of the item.

H4: Choosing DES for MIL-STD-810 Temperature Shock Testing

When it comes to MIL-STD-810 Temperature Shock Testing, selecting the right laboratory is crucial for accurate and reliable results. DES stands out for several reasons:

DES has run numerous MIL-STD-810 Method 503.7 Temperature Shock tests for many military manufacturers
DES’s lab is A2LA accredited to MIL-STD-810, Method 503 Temperature Shock Testing
DES has multiple chambers capable of performing MIL-STD-810 Temperature Shock compliance testing

Share This:

MIL-STD-810 Low Temperature Testing

MIL-STD 810, Method 502 Low Temperature Testing is used to evaluate the effects of low temperatures on cold storage, operation, and manipulation. Method 502 is applicable for testing products that will be exposed to cold temperatures during their life cycle. The latest revision is Method 502.7 from MIL-STD-810H.

MIL-STD-810 low temperature testing is not intended to simulate a high altitude, low temperature environment associated with an unpressurized aircraft at altitude. However, it may be used in combination with Method 500.6 to simulate a high altitude, low temperature environment.

Some of the Effects of Low Temperature Environments are:

Hardening and embrittlement of materials.
Binding of parts from differential contraction of dissimilar materials.
Loss of lubrication and lubricant flow due to increased viscosity.
Changes in electronic components (resistors, capacitors, etc.).
Changes in performance of transformers and electromechanical components.
Stiffening of shock mounts.
Cracking, change in impact strength, and reduced strength.
Effects due to condensation and freezing of water in or on the materiel.

Method 502 Has Three Procedures Starting with Low Temperature Storage:

Procedure I – Storage. Procedure I is used to evaluate products that are stored at Low temperatures. After the Low temperature storage test is completed, an operational test at ambient conditions is performed.
Procedure II – Operation. Procedure II is used to determine how well an item will operate in low temperature environments. Operation during this procedure assumes minimum contact by personnel.
Procedure III – Manipulation. Manipulation is used to investigate the ease with which the materiel can be assembled, operated, and disassembled by personnel wearing heavy, cold-weather clothing. In addition, this could also include maintenance procedures.

Low Temperature Test Parameters and Procedures Under MIL-STD-810

First, identify the Low temperature test parameters and applicable procedures. DES can help determine the appropriate low temperature test conditions based on the equipment’s intended use. Consider the following cold temperatures in various world-wide locations from Table 502.7-I. (MIL-STD-810H):

Design Type	Location	Ambient Air Temperature ^oC(^oF)	Induced Environment Temperature (Storage & Transit) ^oC(^oF)
Basic Cold (C1)	Most of Europe; Northern contiguous US; Costal Canada; High-Latitude coasts (e.g., southern coast of Alaska); High elevations in lower latitudes	-21 to -32 (-5 to -25)	-25 to -33 (-13 to -28)
Cold (C2)	Canada, Alaska (excluding the interior); Northern Scandinavia; Northern Asia (some areas), High Elevations (Northern and Southern Hemispheres); Alps; Himalayas; Andes	-37 to -46 (-35 to -50)	-37 to -46 (-35 to -50)
Severe Cold (C3)	Interior of Alaska; Yukon (Canada); Interior of Northern Canadian Islands; Greenland ice cap; Northern Asia	-51 (-60)	-51 (-60)

Source: Table 502.7-I. (MIL-STD-810H)

The recommended test duration from MIL-STD-810H is four hours after stabilization for nonhazardous or non-safety-related (non-life-support type) material. Munitions, rubber and plastics may continue to deteriorate following low temperature stabilization. For these items, a minimum duration of 72 hours following temperature stabilization is recommended. For restrained glass, ceramics, and glass-type products (such as those used in optical systems, laser systems, and electronic systems) a minimum storage period of 24 hours following temperature stabilization is recommended.

Advantages of MIL-STD-810H Low Temperature Testing with DES:

DES excels in MIL-STD-810H Low Temperature Testing. With our lab’s accreditation and equipped with advanced temperature chambers, we ensure your equipment meets the cold-weather performance standards required by MIL-STD-810H. Some of the reasons that DES is trusted by many companies for MIL-STD-810H Low Temperature Testing are:

DES has extensive experience running MIL-STD-810 Method 502.7 Low Temperature tests
DES’s lab is A2LA accredited to MIL-STD-810, Method 502 Low Temperature Testing
DES is trusted by many military manufacturers to perform their testing
DES has numerous temperature chambers capable of performing MIL-STD-810 Low temperature compliance testing

Share This:

MIL-STD-810 High Temperature Testing

MIL-STD 810, Method 501 High Temperature Testing is used to evaluate the effects of high temperature conditions on performance, materials, and integrity. Method 501 is applicable for temperature testing products that are deployed in areas where temperatures (ambient or induced) are higher than standard ambient. Note, the latest revision of this method is 501.7 from MIL-STD-810H.

Method 501 is limited to evaluating the effects of relatively short-term (months, as opposed to years), even distributions of heat throughout the test item. This method is not typically practical for evaluating materials where solar radiation produces thermal gradients or photochemical effects. Method 505 is used to test the effects of solar radiation. It is also not practical to evaluate degradation that occurs from continuous long-term exposure to high temperatures where synergetic effects may be involved.

The following are typical failures that could occur from products used in high temperature environments.

Parts bind from the differential expansion of dissimilar materials.
Lubricants become less viscous; joints lose lubrication by the outward flow of lubricants.
Materials change in dimension.
Packing, gaskets, seals, bearings, and shafts become distorted, bind, and fail causing mechanical failures.
Gaskets display permanent sets.
Closure and sealing strips deteriorate.
Fixed-resistance resistors change in values.
Electronic circuit stability varies with differences in temperature gradients and differential expansion of dissimilar materials.
Transformers and electromechanical components overheat.
Operating/release margins of relays and magnetic or thermally activated devices alter.
Shortened operating lifetimes.
High pressures are created within sealed cases (batteries, etc.).
Discoloration, cracking, or crazing of organic materials.
Out-gassing of composite materials or coatings.
Failure of adhesives.

MIL-STD-810 Method 501 Tests: High Temperature Procedures

Procedure I – Storage. Procedure I is for testing products that are stored at high temperatures. After the high temperature storage test is completed, an operational test at ambient conditions is performed. Procedure I can be either a cyclic temperature test or a constant temperature test.
Procedure II – Operation. Procedure II is used to investigate how high temperatures could affect the performance of items while they are operating. Temperature Procedure II can be performed as either a cyclic temperature test or a constant temperature test.
Procedure III – Tactical-Standby to Operational. This temperature procedure evaluates the material’s performance at normal operating temperatures after being presoaked at high non-operational temperatures. An example of Procedure III is a product that is stored in an enclosed environment that develops high internal temperatures before being removed and then operated in a relatively short period of time.

What is the procedure for MIL-STD-810 High Temperature Testing?

First, identify the high temperature levels, test conditions, and applicable procedures. DES can help determine the appropriate temperature ramp rates and durations of the tests based on the equipment’s intended use and the operating environmental conditions. Consider the following climatic temperatures from Table 501.7-I. (MIL-STD-810H):

Design Type	Location	Ambient Air ^oC (^oF)	Induced² ^oC (^oF)
Basic Hot (A2)	Many parts of the world, extending outward from the hot dry category of southwestern United States, northwestern Mexico, central and western Australia, Saharan Africa, South America, Southern Spain, and southwest and south central Asia.	30 – 43 (86 – 11)	30 – 63 (86 – 145)
Hot Dry (A1)	Southwest and south central Asia, southwestern United States, Saharan Africa, central and western Australia, and northwestern Mexico.	32 – 49 (90 – 120)	33 – 71 (91 – 160)

Table 501.7-I from MIL-STD-810H

Next, determine whether a constant temperature test or a cyclic temperature test is appropriate. Constant temperature testing is used only for items situated near heat-producing equipment or when it is necessary to verify the operation of an item at a specified constant temperature. The duration for constant temperature test temperature is at least two hours following test specimen stabilization.

For cyclic exposure, there are two 24-hour cyclic profiles contained in Tables 501.7-II and 501.7-III. The number of cycles for the Procedure I storage test is a minimum of seven to coincide with the one percent frequency of occurrence of the hours of extreme temperatures during the most severe month in an average year at the most severe location. The minimum number of cycles for the Procedure II operational testing is three. This number is normally sufficient for the test item to reach its maximum response temperature.

You can trust the DES MIL-STD-810 High Temperature Testing lab

Advantages with DES :

DES is A2LA accredited to MIL-STD-810, Method 501 High Temperature Testing
DES has extensive experience running MIL-STD-810 Method 501.7 high temperature Tests
DES has multiple temperature chambers capable of performing MIL-STD-810 high temperature compliance testing

Share This:

MIL-STD-810 Low Pressure (Altitude) Testing

In the demanding realms of aerospace and defense, ensuring that products can withstand the rigors of high-altitude environments is paramount. MIL-STD 810 is a Department of Defense Test Standard for environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests. Method 500 in MIL-STD-810 defines procedures for low-pressure (altitude) testing. The latest revision of this method is 500.6 from MIL-STD-810H.

Altitude Testing Services at Delserro Engineering Solutions

At Delserro Engineering Solutions, our altitude testing services are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace and defense industries. By employing the comprehensive procedures outlined in MIL-STD-810H Method 500.6, we ensure that every product undergoes thorough low pressure testing under simulated high-altitude conditions. The altitude test chambers at Delserro Engineering Solutions (DES) can meet the requirements of MIL-STD-810H (and previous revisions) accurately ensuring that products are not just compliant but are primed for operational excellence.

MIL-STD-810 altitude testing services are tailored to products that:

Operate or are stored at significant elevations.
Experience pressurized or unpressurized conditions in aircraft.
Could undergo rapid or explosive decompression.
Are externally mounted on aircraft and exposed to extreme conditions.

Method 500 is not intended for items that are installed or operated in space vehicles, aircraft, or missiles that fly at altitudes above 21,300 m (70,000 ft).

The following are typical failures that could occur from products used in a high altitude (low pressure) environment:

Leakage of gases or fluids from gasket-sealed enclosures
Deformation, rupture, or explosion of sealed containers
Change in physical and chemical properties of low-density materials
Overheating of materiel due to reduced heat transfer
Evaporation of lubricants
Erratic starting and operation of engines
Failure of hermetic seals
Erratic operation or malfunction of materiel resulting from arcing or corona

MIL-STD-810 Method 500.6 Insights for Low Pressure Testing

MIL-STD-810 Method 500.6 has four procedures:

Procedure I – Storage/Air Transport. Procedure I is for testing material that is transported or stored at high ground elevations or transported by air in its shipping/storage configuration.
Procedure II – Operation/Air Carriage. Procedure II is used to test the performance of products operated at high altitudes. It may be preceded by Procedure I.
Procedure III – Rapid Decompression. Procedure III is for determining if a rapid decrease in cabin pressure will cause a failure or malfunction that would endanger nearby personnel the ground vehicle or the aircraft in which it is being transported.
Procedure IV – Explosive Decompression. Procedure IV is similar to Procedure III except that it involves an instantaneous decrease in pressure.

How is MIL-STD-810 Low Pressure Testing performed? First, it is necessary to determine the test parameters such as test altitude (pressure) and temperature, rate of change of pressure (and temperature if appropriate), duration of exposure, and test item configuration based upon the Life Cycle Environmental Profile. Once the parameters are defined, low pressure testing is performed by placing the specimen in a specialized chamber that simulates altitude by controlling pressure and temperature. Upon completion of the altitude test, DES will promptly deliver a detailed test report that includes the customer’s name and address, the test dates, a summary of the test procedure, equipment & measuring system calibration information, plots of altitude and temperature, test observations & results, color pictures of the altitude test setup and color pictures of any failures.

Why Choose DES for MIL-STD-810 Low Pressure (Altitude) Testing

A2LA Accreditation: Our laboratory’s accreditation is a testament to our commitment to quality and excellence in environmental testing. DES is A2LA accredited to MIL-STD-810 Low Pressure (Altitude) Testing.
Trusted by Industry Leaders: Our state-of-the-art testing facilities, experienced engineering team, and track record of success has made us the number one choice of top defense contractors.
Advanced Testing Capabilities: With equipment capable of simulating altitudes from below sea level to as high as 1,000,000 feet and temperatures ranging from -75°C to +150°C, we can accommodate a wide variety of testing requirements.

Contact us today to discuss how our altitude testing services can contribute to the success and reliability of your next project.

Share This:

What Exactly is MIL-STD 810?

MIL-STD 810 is a Department of Defense Test Method Standard for environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests. It is the most popular Military specification used to conduct environmental testing of military products. It exists so as to ensure that products used for defense-related purposes meet very specific requirements with regard to ruggedness, durability, and performance. Given the fact that these products may be exposed to harsh or even extreme conditions, their reliability under stress is essential

Continue reading What Exactly is MIL-STD 810? →

Share This:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure V – Crash Hazard Shock

This is another part of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Shock Section, Method 516. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to run your MIL-STD-810 test. For more information, please check out our DES shock testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 shock testing blog articles:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Overview

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure I – Functional Shock

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure II – Transportation Shock

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure IV – Transit Drop

Crash hazard shocks apply to materiel mounted in air or ground vehicles. Shock testing according to Procedure V of MIL-STD 810, Method 516 is intended to test the strength of products during a crash situation to verify that parts do not break apart, eject and become a safety hazard. Failures of this nature could cause dangerous projectiles that could impact occupants or create significant damage to the vehicle.

This article will focus on the shock test condition when measured field data is not available and the testing will use classical shock impulses. The terminal peak sawtooth is the default classical shock pulse to be used for this condition. Figure 516.7-10 from MIL-STD-810 shows its shape and tolerance limits. Table 516.7-IV contains the terminal peak sawtooth default test parameters for Procedure V – Crash Hazard Shock. In limited cases a half sine shock impulse is specified. Its shape and tolerance limits are shown in Figure 516.7-12.

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure V – Crash Hazard Shock →

Share This:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure IV – Transit Drop

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Overview

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure I – Functional Shock

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure II – Transportation Shock

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility

Method 516, Procedure IV is for testing products that could be accidently dropped such as when they are removed from a shelve or dropped when handling. The test item is physically dropped onto a hard surface to produce the shock. Products can be tested inside their transit case or unpackaged. Typically, they would be tested in the configuration that is normally used for transportation, handling, or a combat situation.

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure IV – Transit Drop →

Share This:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility

Procedure III is used to determine what shock conditions will cause a product to stop operating, degrade or fail. The shock magnitudes are systematically increased until a problem occurs. This procedure can be also performed using environmental temperature conditioning.

This article will assume that the fragility shocks expected to be encountered by the product are not complex transients. Therefore, the trapezoidal classical shock pulse, as defined in Figure 516.7-11 and Table 516.7-V from MIL-STD-810, Method 516 would be used for Fragility testing.

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility →

Share This:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure II – Transportation Shock

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Overview

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure I – Functional Shock

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure II – Transportation Shock →

Share This:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure I – Functional Shock

This is part two of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Shock Section, Method 516. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to run your MIL-STD-810 test. For more information, please check out our DES shock testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 shock testing blog articles:

MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Overview

Shock testing according to Procedure I of MIL-STD 810, Method 516 is intended to test products while they are operating to see if any functional problems occur and to determine if they survive without damage. The applied shocks usually represent those that may be encountered during operational service. This article will focus on the shock test condition when measured field data is not available and the testing will use classical shock impulses. The terminal peak sawtooth is the default classical shock pulse to be used for this condition. Figure 516.7-10 from MIL-STD-810 shows its shape and tolerance limits. Table 516.7-IV contains the terminal peak sawtooth default test parameters for Procedure I -Functional Test. In limited cases a half sine shock impulse is specified. Its shape and tolerance limits are shown in Figure 516.7-12.

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure I – Functional Shock →

Share This: