ASTM E1559 Kinetic Outgassing and Deposition Testing
The ASTM E1559 standard is a critical tool in aerospace & aviation testing. It addresses the kinetic outgassing and deposition characteristics of materials used in high-altitude and space environments, ensuring that these materials do not degrade or contaminate sensitive components over time. This test simulates the extreme conditions found at altitudes above 10 km, where contaminants can significantly impact performance.
The importance of this testing cannot be overstated. Aerospace and aviation equipment often operates in harsh environments with minimal atmospheric pressure and temperature fluctuations that are not experienced on Earth. Contamination from outgassing materials can lead to operational failures or even catastrophic events. Therefore, understanding the behavior of materials under these conditions is paramount for ensuring reliability and longevity.
ASTM E1559 requires testing in a vacuum chamber at specific pressures (typically 2 × 10-6 Torr) and temperatures ranging from -73°C to 121°C. The test exposes specimens to these conditions for several hours, allowing any volatile substances or particles to be released into the chamber atmosphere.
The results of this testing are used to assess the suitability of materials for aerospace and aviation applications by measuring the amount of outgassed material and its composition. This information helps engineers select appropriate materials that meet strict quality standards set forth in industry guidelines such as ISO 16232:2014.
Understanding the behavior of materials under these conditions is essential not only for ensuring reliability but also for reducing maintenance costs associated with premature failures due to contamination. By conducting ASTM E1559 tests early in the design process, manufacturers can identify potential issues before they become costly problems later on.
| Test Parameters | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -73°C to 121°C |
| Vacuum Pressure | 2 × 10-6 Torr |
| Testing Duration | 168 hours (7 days) |
The test setup involves placing the specimen in a vacuum chamber equipped with sensors capable of detecting even trace amounts of outgassed substances. The chamber is then pressurized to simulate different altitudes, and the temperature is controlled using precision heaters and coolers.
After exposure, the collected data provides insights into how materials will behave during actual flight conditions. Engineers can use this information to make informed decisions about material selection and design modifications if necessary.
Why It Matters
- Ensures reliability of materials used in aerospace & aviation applications.
- Avoids operational failures due to contamination from outgassed materials.
- Saves costs associated with premature failures caused by contaminants.
- Complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
The results of ASTM E1559 testing are essential for aerospace manufacturers who must meet stringent quality control measures. By identifying potential issues early in the product lifecycle, companies can avoid costly recalls or rework after products have been deployed into service.
Moreover, this test helps ensure that materials do not contribute to contamination of sensitive components within aircraft systems. This is particularly important for parts that come into direct contact with fuel lines, hydraulic fluids, or other critical systems where even small amounts of outgassing could have severe consequences.
In summary, ASTM E1559 testing plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and performance of aerospace & aviation equipment throughout its operational life. It provides valuable data that informs material selection processes and supports continuous improvement efforts aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in this highly regulated industry.
Scope and Methodology
The ASTM E1559 standard specifies a procedure for determining the kinetic outgassing behavior of materials used in aerospace applications. The test aims to measure the amount of volatile substances released from these materials under specified temperature and pressure conditions.
- Preparation: Specimens are prepared according to ASTM E1559 guidelines, ensuring they represent actual components or assemblies that will be subjected to space environment simulation testing.
- Vacuum Chamber Setup: A vacuum chamber capable of achieving high degrees of purity is used. This includes installing appropriate filters and pumps designed for removing impurities from the system.
- Temperature Control: Precision heaters and coolers are employed to maintain precise control over the temperature within the chamber during testing.
- Data Collection: Sensors measure the amount of outgassed material at various points throughout the test duration. These include mass spectrometers, infrared detectors, and other instruments capable of detecting trace amounts of compounds.
The test typically lasts for 168 hours (seven days), during which time the specimen is exposed to a vacuum environment maintained at 2 × 10-6 Torr. The temperature range spans from -73°C to 121°C, simulating conditions encountered in various parts of Earth's atmosphere and beyond.
The collected data provides valuable insights into the behavior of materials under these extreme conditions. Engineers can use this information to make informed decisions about material selection and design modifications if necessary.
Competitive Advantage and Market Impact
- Compliance with stringent industry standards enhances reputation among clients and stakeholders.
- Prediction of potential issues early in the product lifecycle saves time and resources compared to addressing problems post-deployment.
- Ensures long-term reliability by identifying materials that do not outgas or deposit contaminants during operation.
- Achieves regulatory compliance, thus reducing risk of non-compliance penalties.
By offering ASTM E1559 testing services, laboratories gain a competitive edge in the aerospace & aviation sectors. This service helps manufacturers comply with international standards like ISO 16232:2014 and other relevant regulations specific to their geographic location or target markets.
- Predictive capabilities enable proactive problem-solving rather than reactive measures once issues arise.
- Reduction in maintenance costs due to reduced instances of premature failures enhances overall profitability.
- Enhanced brand reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality results builds trust with customers and partners.
The market for space environment simulation testing is expected to grow as the demand for more sophisticated aerospace & aviation equipment increases. Companies that excel in this area will likely see increased business opportunities, particularly those serving key players like NASA, ESA, Boeing, Airbus, and other leading manufacturers.
