The purpose of MIL-STD 810, Method 505 Solar Radiation Testing is to evaluate the heating effects of solar radiation on materiel and to identify the actinic (ultraviolet photo degradation) effects of exposure to solar radiation. The latest revision for radiation testing is Method 505.7 from MIL-STD-810H.
Solar Heating can cause some of the following failures:
- Jamming or loosening of moving parts.
- Weakening of solder joints and glued parts.
- Changes in strength and elasticity.
- Loss of calibration or malfunction of linkage devices.
- Loss of seal integrity.
- Changes in electrical or electronic components.
- Premature actuation of electrical contacts.
- Changes in characteristics of elastomers and polymers.
- Blistering, peeling, and de-lamination of paints, composites, and surface laminates.
- Softening of potting compounds.
- Pressure variations.
- Sweating of composite materials.
- Difficulty in handling.
Solar Radiation can cause additional failures such as:
- Fading of labels, fabric, and plastic color.
- Chalking and fading of paints.
- Deterioration of plastics through photochemical reactions initiated by shorter wavelength radiation.
MIL-STD-810H Tests for Solar Radiation
MIL-STD-810 Method 505 Solar Radiation has two procedures: Procedure I Cycling and Procedure II Steady State.
Procedure I is meant to investigate the effects of heat produced by solar radiation by exposing products to 24-hour cycles of simulated solar radiation at realistic maximum levels typical throughout the world. It contains two 24-hour cycles to choose from, A1 and A2. Category A1 represents the hottest conditions in the most extreme month at the most severe locations throughout the world that experience high temperatures accompanied by high levels of solar radiation. Category A2 represents less severe conditions at locations that experience high temperatures accompanied by high levels of solar radiation, winds, and moderately low humidity, namely, the most southerly parts of Europe, most of the Australian continent, south central Asia, northern and eastern Africa, coastal regions of north Africa, southern parts of the US, and most of Mexico. The minimum duration for either cycle is three. If the maximum peak response temperature from the previous 24-hour cycle is not reached during three cycles, continue cycling until repeated peak temperatures are reached, or for seven cycles, whichever comes first.
Procedure II is used to evaluate the actinic or photo degradation effects when items are exposed to long periods of sunshine. It uses intensified solar loading to accelerate actinic effects. Procedure II produces an acceleration factor of approximately 2.5 times the solar energy experienced in one 24-hour (natural) diurnal cycle plus a 4-hour lights-off period to allow for alternating thermal stressing. The recommended minimum durations for Procedure II are (10) 24-hour cycles for products that are occasionally used outdoors and (56) 24-hour cycles for products continuously exposed to outdoor conditions.
Consider the following when determining which procedure and MIL-STD 810H test levels to use for solar radiation testing:
- The operational purpose of the test item.
- The anticipated areas of deployment.
- The test item configuration.
- The anticipated exposure circumstances (use, transportation, storage, etc.).
- The expected duration of exposure to solar radiation.
- The expected problem areas within the test item.
Solar (Sunshine) Testing under MIL-STD-810
Choose DES for your solar (sunshine) testing because:
- DES is an accredited MIL-STD 810H test lab.
- We have performed numerous MIL-STD-810H tests for solar radiation.
- DES has state-of-the-art solar testing equipment.
Contact us today to discuss your MIL-STD-810 testing project with one of our engineers.
DES Advanced Solar Radiation Testing Services
Choosing the right solar radiation testing service is crucial for assessing the durability and longevity of products under solar exposure. DES provides leading-edge solutions in radiation testing, ensuring that your products meet all necessary MIL-STD-810 standards for solar exposure. Our accreditation to MIL-STD-810 and advanced equipment underscore our capability to simulate the effects of solar radiation comprehensively. Engage with our experts to leverage DES’s deep industry knowledge and cutting-edge facilities for your next project.