Testing and certification provider TÜV SÜD has launched a fluid susceptibility test service to help aerospace manufacturers determine whether the materials used in equipment can tolerate the damaging effects of fluid contaminants.
The fluid susceptibility test service testsaviation components to ensure they comply with the requirements of aerospace and defence standards, including commercial avionics standard RTCA DO-160 (Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment) and the Ministry of Defence’s standard DEF STAN 00-35, which sets out the environmental conditions in which defence material is expected to operate and survive.
Contamination tests cover fluids commonly used in airborne and ground operations, such as fuels, lubricants and solvents. The testing also ensure that materials used in commercial aircraft cabins are resistant to everyday fluids, such as cleaning liquids and drinks, so that they maintain their integrity and visual appeal.
Martin Foley, business line manager for aerospace and defence at TÜV SÜD said, “We understand how catastrophic contamination can be and our new fluid susceptibility test service is designed to help manufacturers optimise equipment design and minimise time to market.
“Our test methods closely replicate specific fluid contamination scenarios so that manufacturers fully understand how much damage could be done to their equipment over time, enabling them to mitigate against failures within their product design.
“Our extensive experience in meeting the complex compliance requirements of such programmes also minimises the amount of testing and will provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate compliance so that manufacturers can sell their equipment worldwide.”
The services TÜV SÜD also offer aerospace companies include environmental testing, simulation services, EMC and lightning testing.