The aerospace industry demands the highest precision and reliability in its equipment and components. Rigorous testing under extreme conditions is essential to ensure the safety and performance of aerospace technology. Clitec offers state-of-the-art environmental chambers that mimic the harshest aerospace environments. In this article, we will explore how these chambers enable the simulation of space conditions, thermal loads, altitude, and other important tests to evaluate the behavior and durability of aerospace equipment.

1) Simulation of space conditions: Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVC)

Testing space equipment before its first flight is essential to predict its performance in unpredictable space. The thermal vacuum chambers precisely reproduce space conditions, enabling comprehensive testing in a controlled environment. With high-performance vacuum pumps, a vacuum of up to 10-7 mbar can be achieved. Liquid nitrogen circulating in a thermal vacuum chamber produces low temperatures comparable to those of space from -185 °C to +165 °C. Special features such as infrared radiation or a spatial temperature gradient can be simulated to meet our customers’ requirements.

2) Thermal stress tests: Low temperature chamber (LTC)

Extreme temperature variations in space can place significant thermal stresses on aerospace equipment. To address this, cryogenic chamber liquid nitrogen cooling systems are used to precisely control temperatures from -185 °C to +200 °C. These chambers allow for rapid temperature changes and excellent homogeneity and can be used for both small volume and large walk-in configurations.

3) Simulation of altitudes: altitude chamber

Aircraft are exposed to extreme pressure and varying climatic conditions during flight, which can affect the function of individual components. Altitude chambers allow testing of aerospace components in a controlled environment where the parameters of pressure, temperature and humidity can be regulated. It is possible to simulate altitudes of up to 100,000 feet (30,000 m) to ensure the resilience and safety of aerospace technology.

4) Environmental simulation for thermal battery testing.

Energy storage units play an important role in aerospace and must withstand extreme conditions. Clitec ‘s test chambers can be used to perform tests such as altitudes, temperatures, climatic conditions, vibrations and thermal shocks. Additional safety components in accordance with EUCAR “Hazard Levels” requirements can also be integrated.

5) Environmental impact testing: Speedcal

Product reliability is critical in a competitive market. During Environmental Stress Screening (ESS), products are exposed to specific stresses in order to detect defects in components and PCBs in good time in the production plant. Clitec Speedcal chambers allow precise specification of loads such as temperature and humidity to ensure the reliability of aerospace components.

6) Environmental chamber with vibration system: Vibcal

Aircraft engines, rotor blades and spacecraft are subjected to intense vibrations during takeoff and landing. At the same time, these components are subject to rapid temperature changes in different climatic zones. Clitec Vibcal chambers allow the simulation of such dynamic processes to test load limits and ensure safe flight operations.

7) Simulation of solar radiation

Surfaces and materials can react to long-term exposure to sunlight. Clitec’s test chambers can be used to test products for quality and resistance to various types of radiation. The chambers also offer the possibility to perform UV radiation tests.

8) Thermal shock: SCAL

During flight, aircraft equipment often passes through several temperature zones in a short period of time. Rapid temperature changes can impair the function and safety of individual components. Clitec SCAL chambers offer temperature ranges from -75 °C to +180 °C and allow rapid transition between zones.

Conclusion

Clitec’s climate chambers provide advanced environmental simulation capabilities for aerospace testing. From simulating space conditions and thermal stresses to altitude, vibration and solar radiation, these chambers enable the assurance of safety, durability and optimal performance of aerospace components. Through rigorous testing under controlled conditions, Clitec enables the aerospace industry to push boundaries and drive technological innovation with confidence.

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Expert in spatial environmental simulation – climats-tec.com (no date) Expert in environmental simulation. Available at: https://www.climats-tec.com/fileadmin/user_upload/fichiers/Domaines_application/AEROSPACE/Climats-Brochure_aerospatial_ANGLAIS_BD.pdf (Accessed: 01 July 2023).