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AECTP 300 Method 315 Freeze and Thaw Compliance Testing

AECTP method 315 testing evaluates the effects of moisture induced by transfer from a cold-to-warm or warm-to-cold environment. As an ISO-17025 accredited environmental compliance test lab, we realize the importance of climatic and environmental testing. Meeting the AECTP freeze-thaw compliance testing requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. 

Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve environmental product compliance. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. We are in constant communication throughout the entire test process.

Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest-growing compliance test labs in the country.

Summary of AECTP 300 Environmental Climatic Compliance Testing

The AECTP 300 standard is intended to be used in conjunction with four other AECTP test standards (AECTP 100, 200, 400, and 500). Furthermore, the AECTP standard provides advice for preparing environmental test specifications, plans, and procedures.

Additionally, AECTP 300 evaluates climatic environments. These environments can occur individually or in combination with other climatic or mechanical environments.

The AECTP 300 tests outlined provide exposure to simulated conditions from which a degree of confidence can be established. 

During testing, the configuration used for the selected test should be the configuration used within the unit’s life cycle. As a minimum, the following is considered: 

  • In the shipping/storage container or transit case.
  • Protected or unprotected.
  • In its normal operating and thermal configuration.
  • Modified with kits for special applications.

Any of the following will be classified as a failure:

  • A deviation of monitored functional parameter levels beyond acceptable limits.
  • Nonfulfillment of safety requirements or the development of safety hazards.
  • Nonfulfillment of specific test item requirements.
  • Changes to the test item that could prevent it from meeting its intended service life or maintenance requirements.

Scope of AECTP 315 Freeze Thaw Compliance Testing

Freeze-thaw testing evaluates the ability of material to withstand:

  1. The effects of moisture phase changes between liquid and solid.
  2. The effects of moisture induced by transfer from a cold-to-warm or warm-to-cold environment.

AECTP Method 315 applies to material that will experience one or more excursions through freeze point while wet or in the presence of moisture. Note that this test does not evaluate the effects of low temperature, thermal shock, rain, or icing. These can be found by AECTP Methods 303, 304, 310, and 311.

This test induced physical changes in or on the material. Examples include the following:

  • Distortion or binding of moving parts
  • Failure of bonding materials
  • Failure of seals
  • Failure of materials due to freezing/re-freezing of absorbed, adjacent or free water
  • Changes in characteristics of electrical components
  • Electrical flashover/reduced insulation resistance.
  • Fogging of optical systems during freeze-thaw transitions.
  • Inability to function correctly due to ice adhesion and interference or blockage of moving parts.

AECTP Freee Thaw Method 315 Testing Procedures

There are three different procedures that can be carried out when performing the freeze-thaw method.

Procedure I – This procedure simulates the effects of diurnal cycling on material exposed to varying temperatures. For Procedure I to be effective, frost must form on the test item surfaces during the temperature increase through the freeze point. The diurnal cycling testing procedure carries out a minimum of five cycles.

Procedure II – Procedure II evaluates material transported directly from a cold to a warm environment. For example, from an unheated aircraft, missile, or rocket, to a warm ground area. The cold-to-warm transfer test specifies a minimum of three cycles.

Procedure III – This procedure is for material to be moved from a warm environment to cold, and then back to a warm environment. Procedure III, warm-to-cold testing for freezing and melting recommends carrying out 1 test cycle.

Expert AECTP 315 Freeze-Thaw Compliance Test Lab

Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. 

Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with Keystone each year to achieve their environmental standard test needs.