Environmental Test Experience For An Antenna Application

The hybrid structure is subjected to extracts of the standard RTCA/DO-160F and RTCA/DO-160G tests for airborne equipment.

The following sections provide an overview of the tests performed to demonstrate the potential of additively manufactured samples under operational test conditions.

RTCA/DO-160F 

Contamination Test 

Fluids 

• Hydraulic Fluid    
• De-Icing Fluid
• Cleaning + solving 

Climate Test

Severe Humidity Environment

• Humidity
• Temperature Variation

Normal Salt Fog

RTCA/DO-160G

Mechanical Test 

• Standard Random Vibration
• Robust Vibration
• Shock

The tests are performed with:

• Hydraulic fluid (H544H544 Synthetic)
• De-Icing fluid (Aviform L50 and Killfrost ABC)
• Cleaning and solving (Isopropanol)

Result: The 3D-AME structure was able to withstand the contamination test without loss of performance.

Severe Humidity Environment:

Humidity Test

• Temperature range: +38°C/+65°C
• Humidity: 85% RH/95%
• Duration: 10 cycles/24 hours per cycle

Result: The tested hybrid structure was able to withstand without deterioration or damage.

Temperature Variation

Temperatures

• Ground survival low temperature: -55°C
• High operational temperature: +55°C
• Ground survival high temperature: +85°C

Temperature change rate

• 10°C/min

Duration

• 2 cycles with a duration of 12 hours per cycle

Result: The tested hybrid structure was able to withstand without deterioration or damage.

Performance of Normal Salt Fog:

Salt Fog Test

• Temperature: +35°C
• Salt Solution: 5%
• Duration: 2 cycles with a duration of 24 hours per cycle
• Drying room temperature: 2 cycles with a duration of 24 hours per cycle

Result: The tested AME structure inlay showed no degradation.