Materials and material combinations are tested on thermal cycling reliability in the thermal cycling facilities. In a gaseous nitrogen environment rapid temperature changes can be initiated. Not only the upper and lower temperature can be controlled, but also the temperature rate of change.
By using the feedthroughs it is possible to realize mechanical test set-ups within the cycling chamber.
Thermal Cycle Chamber
There are four thermal cycling chambers at Dutch Space.
The largest facility is specially made for the thermal cycling of solar panels and is approved by esa. In this so called (Atmospheric Pressure Thermal Cycle) aptc test facility, 4 solar panels can be tested at the same time. Also antennae and structural parts can be thermally tested.
The other three facilities have the same internal dimensions and there is a possibility to extend the test volume.
Facility descriptions:
| | APTC | Standard thermal cycling facility | Extended thermal cycling facility |
Testvolume
- Width
- Height
- Depth |
1000 mm
2800 mm
5000 mm |
500 mm
500 mm
500 mm |
500 mm
500 mm
2000 mm |
| Temperature range | +175 / -175° C | +200 / -180° C | +200 / -180° C |
| Temperature rate of change | 30° C/min | 100° C/min | 30° C/min |
