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DO-160-Section-5-Temperature-Variation

RTCA DO-160 Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing

The purpose of RTCA DO-160 temperature variation testing is to determine the performance characteristics of equipment operating between high and low operating temperature extremes. It is important to note that this temperature testing is just temperature testing. Other conditions such as icing or wet are not considered.

Depending on the rate of the temperature change, the temperature variation testing may be referred to as thermal shock testing or thermal cycling testing.

RTCA/DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Summary:

RTCA DO-160 classifies equipment in one of five categories.

RTCA DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Category A: This category is for equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft. The temperature variation testing is a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius per minute. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 temperature testing.

RTCA DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Category B: This category is for equipment in a non-temperature-controlled or partially temperature controlled internal section of the aircraft. The temperature variation testing is a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius per minute. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 thermal shock testing.

RTCA DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Category C: This category is for equipment in a temperature-controlled internal section of the aircraft. The temperature variation testing is a minimum of 2 degrees Celsius per minute. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 temperature variation tests.

RTCA DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Category S1: This category is for equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft. The temperature variation testing is a known rate of change greater than 10 degrees Celsius per minute. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 thermal variance testing.

RTCA DO-160G Section 5.0 Temperature Variation Testing Category S2: This category is for equipment external to the aircraft or internal to the aircraft. The temperature variation is for an unknown rate of change greater than 10 degrees Celsius per minute. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 thermal shock tests.

Additional Temperature Variation Notes:

There are some additional points of clarification. Equipment qualified to Category B is considered to have met Category C. The rates of change greater than 10 degrees Celsius minimum per minute are

considered as temperature shocks. Categories S1 and S2 are intended to evaluate the effects of more rapid or sudden temperature changes to the equipment. The outer surfaces, regions, or interfaces of the equipment may be of primary interest during temperature shock since the internal regions can have comparatively long-time constants to reach stabilization. For Categories S1 and S2, thermal shock, Category S2 shall be used unless the temperature change rate is known, then Category S1 may be used.

Keystone Compliance is a leader in compliance testing to military standards. As an RTCA DO-160G accredited test lab, we have the experience, equipment and resources to meet every testing need. With a fleet of reach-in temperature chambers and walk-in temperature chambers, Keystone Compliance can meet nearly every temperature variation testing need. We also have two thermal shock temperature chambers as well. In addition to being accredited to complete RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is also accredited to all previous versions of the standard as well. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their RTCA DO-160 testing.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C Temperature Variation Testing to DO-160D Temperature Variation Testing

Section 5.3 Test Procedures was revised to provide provisions for collecting data during a single cycle of test and reduced data collection under certain test conditions.

Changes from DO-160D Temperature Variation Testing to DO-160E Temperature Variation Testing

Section 5.2 Temperature Change Rates added two temperature shock tests, categories S1 and S2, and Sections 5.3.2 and 5.3.3 are the tests sections that accompany the newly added categories, respectively.

Changes from DO-160E Temperature Variation Testing to DO-160F Temperature Variation Testing

Sections, 5.3.1h, 5.3.2h, and 5.3.3i, changed the performance compliance timing to be in the second, or last cycle.

Changes from DO-160F Temperature Variation Testing to DO-160G Temperature Variation Testing

Paragraph 5.1 – Added note clarifying test intent and humidity control.  Paragraphs 5.3.1a and d -added clarification of temperature change procedure for Operating Low and Operating High Temperatures.