Purpose/Summary: Method 501.7 is used to evaluate the effects of high temperatures on the safety, integrity, and performance of military equipment during storage, operation, and tactical readiness. This method is primarily used in the defense, aerospace, and energy industries to ensure reliability under heat-intensive conditions.

Application: e.g. viscosity, lubricants, stresses caused by different thermal expansion, mechanical damage, outgassing of composite materials and coatings, stability of electronic circuits, etc.

Test scenarios: 

• Procedure I – Storage: The material is exposed to high temperatures in a storage configuration to detect structural changes. After at least seven cycles, a functional test is performed under standard conditions.
• Procedure II – Operation: The device is operated at constant or cyclic high temperatures. The aim is to check functionality during thermal stress, especially at maximum temperature response.
•  Procedure III – Tactical standby to operation: After exposure to maximum non-operating temperature, there is a rapid transition to operating temperature. The device must be ready for immediate use – without active cooling.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: TempEvent or ClimeEvent (with climate range extension and compressed air dryer for humidity <10% RH), R devices, and MUR.

Purpose/Summary: Method 502.7 defines how to evaluate devices that are exposed to low temperatures. It outlines three key procedures—storage, operation, and handling—each of which simulates real-world exposure to cold. This standard is essential for the defense, aerospace, and energy industries to ensure reliability under cold conditions.

Application: These include hardening and embrittlement of materials, mechanical damage or malfunctions due to varying thermal expansion, mechanical damage, lubricant failure, and performance changes in electronic components.

Test scenarios: Various test methods for use, storage, and operational readiness. Ensuring operational readiness at low temperatures.

Cycles: Consistent temperatures for test specimens with additional cycle at room temperature if necessary.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: TempEvent, R devices and MUR

Special feature: The recommended test duration according to MIL-STD-810H is 4 hours after stabilization for non-hazardous or non-safety-critical (non-life-sustaining) materials. Ammunition, rubber, and plastics may deteriorate further after stabilization at low temperatures. For these materials, a minimum duration of 72 hours after temperature stabilization is recommended.

Purpose/Summary: Method 503.7 (temperature shock) evaluates the ability of a test specimen to withstand sudden, extreme changes in ambient temperature. It simulates rapid transitions between hot and cold environments to evaluate structural integrity and operational reliability. This method is important for defense, aerospace, and industrial electronics, where devices may be exposed to abrupt temperature fluctuations during transport or use.

Application:

This method is used to identify failure mechanisms in the event of sudden, extreme temperature fluctuations. These include the breakage of sensitive components, the deformation or failure of mechanical parts due to varying thermal expansion, and the cracking of coatings or the leakage of sealed areas.

Chemically, this can lead to the separation of substances or impair protective barriers. Component properties can change electronically; condensation or frost can cause short circuits or mechanical defects.

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I – Equipment in storage or in transit: Assessment of the risk of physical damage due to thermal shocks during non-operational phases. The device is moved back and forth between two extreme temperatures while it is not connected to a power source. The process is used for warehouse storage, air transport, and logistics without a power connection.
• Procedure II - Equipment in operational configuration: Evaluates operational performance during or after a temperature shock. The item is supplied with power during or immediately after exposure to extreme temperatures. This is especially relevant for in-service systems, mission-critical electronics, and aerospace avionics.

Cycles: Single cycles or multiple cycles

Suitable Weiss Technik products: ShockEvent T or D (flap shock); for higher weights, TempEvent with > 10 K/min

Special feature: 

Test Setup

• Use two temperature chambers or a single chamber with two zones.
  Ensure a rapid transition between the hot and cold zones (preferably ≤ 1 minute).
  Monitor the internal temperature of the test object.
• If test specimens with greater weight are being tested, it may be necessary to use the two-chamber method. The test specimen is moved using a pallet truck (temperature change then > 1 minute).  

Purpose/Summary: The “humidity” method describes procedures for testing the resistance of materials to warm, humid environments. It comprises two main processes: induced (storage and transport) and natural cycles, each simulating different humidity conditions. This method is crucial for industries such as defense, aerospace, and electronics, where the reliability of equipment under humid conditions is critical.

Application: For oxidation, chemical reactions, interaction between condensation and coatings, changes in physical properties (e.g., delamination, degradation of explosives and propellants due to absorption), and short circuits

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I - Induced (storage & transit): This procedure evaluates the resistance of the material to moisture during storage and transport, as well as under natural environmental conditions
• Procedure II (enhanced procedure): This procedure is designed to produce representative effects that typically occur under elevated temperature and humidity conditions, without precisely replicating naturally occurring conditions.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: ClimeEvent

Purpose/Summary: This method is used to determine the effectiveness of protective covers, enclosures, and seals against water ingress, the ability of the material to meet performance requirements during and after exposure to water, and to evaluate physical damage and the efficiency of water removal systems. It is applicable to materials that may be exposed to rain, splashing water, or dripping water during storage, transport, or operation. The method comprises three main procedures for realistically simulating various rain conditions in military applications

Application: This method is used in the defense industry to evaluate military equipment that may be exposed to rain, splash water, or dripping water during storage, transport, or operations.

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I (rain & driving rain): This procedure is used to simulate the effects of natural rain and rain driven by wind. It evaluates how well the material withstands direct exposure to water and water penetration. 
• Procedure II (exaggerated): This procedure is designed for simulating more extreme water jets or sprays, such as those produced by moving vehicles or high-pressure cleaning systems.
• Procedure III (drops): This procedure is suitable when the material is normally protected from rain but may be exposed to falling water from condensation or leaks from upper surfaces.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: WaterEvent

Purpose/Summary: The purpose of this method is to evaluate the effects of icing on the operational performance of equipment and to assess the effectiveness of de-icing devices and techniques (including those available in the field). It applies to equipment that may be exposed to icing due to freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or fog, as well as to ice formation due to splashing or spraying sea water. The method focuses on determining whether the equipment remains operational after ice accumulation or whether de-icing procedures can be successfully applied.

Application: This method is primarily relevant to the defense industry for testing military equipment used in cold and humid environments where icing due to freezing rain, drizzle, fog, or sea spray may occur.

Test scenarios: 

• Procedure (ice accumulation): This procedure involves icing the test specimen under controlled conditions. It involves installing the test specimen in a refrigerated chamber and spraying it with supercooled water to produce ice accumulation.

Suitable Weiss Technik Products: ClimeEvent (with optional equipment)

Purpose/Summary: Method 524.1 determines the ability of material to withstand the effects of moisture phase changes (between liquid and solid) in or on the material as it cycles through the freeze point. It also evaluates the effects of moisture induced by transfer from a cold to a warm environment or from a warm to a cold environment. The method is not intended for evaluating low temperatures, thermal shock, rain, or icing, but focuses on the physical changes caused by repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Application: This method is relevant for the defense industry and materials used in environments where moisture is present and temperatures repeatedly exceed or fall below freezing.

Test scenarios: 

• Procedure I (daily cycles): Simulates the effects of daily temperature fluctuations just above and below freezing, typical of daytime warming and nighttime freezing when ice deposits, condensation, or high relative humidity are present.
• Procedure II (fogging): This procedure simulates the effects of moisture induced by transfer from a cold to a warm environment.
• Procedure III (rapid temperature change): This procedure simulates the effects of rapid temperature changes that can lead to freezing and melting.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: ClimeEvent (with optional equipment), LabEvent

Purpose/Summary: The purpose of this method is to determine the effectiveness of protective coatings and surface treatments for protecting materials in saline environments. It is also used to determine the effects of salt spray, salt deposits, moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations on the physical and electrical aspects of materials. The method produces a test load that can reveal potential material problems, but is not intended to predict service life. Three procedures are available, which can be tailored to the test objectives and the environment to be simulated.

Application: This method is crucial in the defense industry for the development and testing of materials used in saline environments, such as marine applications or coastal areas. It is relevant for protective coatings and surface treatments.

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I (corrosion screening): This procedure is used exclusively for screening purposes to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of protective coatings and surface treatments on materials and material coupons and to identify potential problem areas, quality control deficiencies, design flaws, etc. in a relatively short period of time
• Procedure II(Corrosion verification design): Corrosion verification design: This procedure is used to verify the corrosion resistance of system designs during the engineering phase of acquisition
• Procedure III (natural environment): Natural environment: This method involves outdoor exposure tests in the natural environment, typically over a period of at least 12 months in a coastal marine environment.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: SaltEvent SC-H, Ascott Cyclic Corrosion Chambers

Purpose/Summary: MIL-STD-810 Method 505.7 describes procedures for evaluating the effects of solar radiation on materials and equipment. It focuses on both the heating and actinic (photodegradation) effects of solar radiation and ensures that materials can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without significant deterioration.

Application: e.g., jamming or loosening of moving parts, weakening of solder joints and bonded parts, changes to electrical or electronic components, softening of casting compounds, etc.
Changes in strength and elasticity.

Test scenarios:  Preliminary test for baseline, cyclic test, and test under constant conditions.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: SunEvent (for 600 and 1000 liters: method 1 with adjustments possible (daily cycle), method 2 possible as standard)

Special feature: Different test scenarios for specimens that are frequently or occasionally outdoors. Varying intensities throughout the day. The customer must provide a spectrometer and an air flow sensor. The device must be used with a CM4 pyranometer and the adjustable recirculation volume option. 

Purpose/Summary: MIL-STD-810 Method 510.7 is used to assess the resistance of materials to sand and dust environments, tailored to specific environmental conditions and material requirements. This method is relevant for a wide range of mechanical, optical, electrical, electronic, electrochemical and electromechanical devices in industries where such exposures are expected.

Application: Method 510.7 is used to test the functionality and durability of equipment in sand- and dust-prone environments—such as desert regions, military operations, aerospace, power supply, or off-road vehicles. It is crucial not only for protection against mechanical abrasion and clogging, but also for preventing electrical malfunctions caused by conductive dust particles or thermal overload from blocked ventilation systems. 

Test scenarios: 

• Procedure I (Blowing Dust): Evaluates the material’s ability to withstand dust that can clog openings, penetrate cracks, crevices, bearings, and joints, as well as assess the effectiveness of filters.
• Procedure II (Blowing Sand): Evaluates the material’s ability to be stored and operated under these conditions without performance, effectiveness, reliability, or maintainability being impaired by abrasion (erosion) or clogging from sharp-edged particles. 

Suitable Weiss Technik products: Dust test chamber DustEvent

Special feature: - 

Purpose / Summary: MIL-STD-810 Method 500.6 is used to assess the resistance and functionality of materials in low-pressure environments or under rapid air pressure changes. It includes four specific test procedures, which must be carefully tailored to the intended lifecycle of the material.

Application: The applicability mainly extends to materials stored, transported, or operated in aviation, as well as those that may be exposed to extreme decompression. It is used for materials likely to be stored and/or operated at high-altitude locations, transported or operated in pressurized or unpressurized areas of aircraft, exposed to rapid or explosive decompression, or carried externally on aircraft. 

Limitation: This method is not intended for materials to be installed or operated in spacecraft, aircraft, or rockets flying at altitudes above 21,300 m.

Test Scenarios: Method 500.6 comprises four different low-pressure test procedures: storage/air transport, operation/air transport, rapid decompression, explosive decompression

Suitable Weiss Technik products: SkyEvent

Special feature: -

Purpose/Summary: The purpose of this method is to determine the synergistic effects of combinations of temperature, altitude, humidity, electrical input power, and vibrations on aircraft-grade electronic and electromechanical material during ground and flight operations. These tests are designed to detect failures that would not occur in single environment tests. The method is primarily intended for actively propelled material at altitude and can be used for technical development, flight or mission support.

Application: This method is mainly tailored to the defense industry, especially for aviation and missile electronics/electromechanics and mission equipment. It can also be adapted for use on ground vehicles, support equipment, and human-worn equipment.

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I (development, procedure): This procedure is used during technical development to identify design flaws in new or modified devices.
• Procedure II (flight/mission): This procedure aims to simulate the climatic, dynamic, electrical input power, and operating events of specific missions or troubleshooting scenarios.
• Procedure III (platform envelope): This procedure is used to demonstrate compliance with specific platform/equipment specification requirements under combined synergistic environmental conditions.

Suitable Weiss Technik products:  SkyEvent, ClimeEvent

Purpose: MIL-STD-810 Method 511.5 describes procedures for evaluating the safety and performance of materials in explosive atmospheres. It ensures that equipment can be operated without igniting the explosive gases or vapors surrounding it, which is critical for safety in various industries, including defense, aerospace, and energy.

Application: Aircraft avionics, fuel system components, maintenance tools.

Test scenarios:

• Procedure I – Ignition test in explosive atmosphere: The test specimen is placed in a sealed chamber filled with a controlled mixture of air and n-hexane vapor. The test specimen shall be operated under normal conditions and any ignition shall be detected. This determines whether the test specimen can operate in a flammable atmosphere without igniting it.
  Suitable Weiss Technik products: ExtremEvent

Special feature: Tests in this area are highly complex. Get in touch and one of our specialists will talk you through the details of the test and the technical possibilities.

Purpose/Summary: The purpose of this method is to provide guidance on the definition of vibration environments to which material may be exposed during its life cycle and guidance on the performance of laboratory vibration tests. These tests are designed to ensure that the material functions and withstands the vibration stresses of a life cycle, including synergistic effects of other environmental factors. The method offers four specific procedures for simulating various vibration scenarios to which military equipment is exposed.

Application: This method is widely applicable in the defense industry, as virtually all military materials are subject to vibrations during manufacture, transport, maintenance, or operation. This includes ground transport (trucks, trailers, tracked vehicles), air transport (jet and propeller aircraft, helicopters), sea transport, rail transport, personnel-carried equipment, and power plant installations.

Test scenarios: 

• Procedure I (general vibration): Used for material that is transported as secured freight or used on a vehicle.
• Procedure II (transport of loose cargo): This procedure applies to material that is transported in trucks, trailers, or tracked vehicles and is not secured (not tied down).
• Procedure III (Transport of large assemblies): This procedure is designed to replicate the vibration and shock loads experienced by large assemblies installed in or transported by wheeled or tracked vehicles.
• Procedure IV (Mounted aircraft external loads): This procedure applies to mounted external loads that are attached to aircraft or in free flight.

Suitable Weiss Technik products: ShakeEvent