TEST SYSTEM TO VERIFY THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE

Abstract

The article presents the method and the prototype system to verify the resistance of technological objects to environmental impacts in the form of increased or decreased temperatures or sudden temperature changes (i.e. thermal shocks), developed in accordance with the following PN-EN 60068 standard requirements as regards environmental testing: PN-EN 60068-2-1:2009 – Test A: Cold [7]; PN-EN 60068- 2-2:2009 – Test B: Dry heat [8]; and PN-EN 60068-2-14:2009 – Test N: Change of temperature [9]. The developed solution is also aligned with the testing procedure requirements applicable to military equipment tests [12]. The system is mainly designed for testing prototype technological devices subject to significant changes in the temperature of the environment in which they operate, including thermal shocks; it also enables periodic quality checks of manufactured goods [1, 2]. With the developed system the following may be tested: the operation of individual mechanisms; the shape stability and resistance [10]; the resistance to damage; as well as the operability of electronic systems [3]. The flexible method of programming tests used in the system enables the performance of both normative and non-standard tests, depending on the requirements of the research to be carried out. The article describes the system design process, its architecture, structure, and operation, as well as the prototype verification test results. The validated prototype test system was incorporated into the structure of the laboratory for the identification and verification of technical safety of industrial and special-purpose applications under environmental conditions established at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (Łukasiewicz–ITEE).