Icing/Freezing Rain MIL-STD-810 Method 521 testing is used to verify that equipment can operate when exposed to ice accumulations from rain, drizzle, or sea spray. Freezing rain tests can also be used to evaluate de-icing equipment and techniques.
Types of Ice Used in Testing
Two types of icing is likely to occur in natural exposures:
- Rime ice is formed when supercooled water drops come in contact with a surface. These deposits of ice are white, opaque, and granular. Rime ice is categorized into Hard rime which is often deposited on vertical surfaces by freezing fog and soft rime which is which can often occur on the windward side of an object and has a structure similar to frost.
- Glaze ice deposits are clear and smooth but may contain some air pockets. These deposits occur when supercooled water droplets freeze from drizzle or rain. These coatings of ice are denser and have a greater likelihood of posing structural stresses. Glaze ice is generally used in this test method.
Test Tailoring Considerations
Consideration should be given to the expected ice loading based on the anticipated Life Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP) of the test item. The standard recommends thicknesses of 0.24 inches (6 mm) to 3 inches (75mm). Heavier loading are representative of marine deck and mast loadings.
The standard recommends a water delivery rate sufficient to create a coating of 1 inch/hour (25mm/h). It is important that water purity as specified in Part 1 of the standard be used in testing.
Detailed Environmental Test Plan Templates
CVG Strategy offers EZ Test Plan Templates for MIL-STD environmental (climatic/dynamic) and EMI/EMC test documentation. Our Detailed Environmental Test Plans (DETP)s are written as specified in MIL-STD-810 Task 405. They are available for specific applications such as Ground Mobile, Ground Stationary, and Shipboard Controlled, Shipboard Uncontrolled, and Aircraft Military.
These DETPs include appropriate methods, (such as Icing/Freezing Rain MIL-STD-810 Method 521) addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets for collection of required data. Profile (LCEP).
Our Electromagnetic Interference Test Plans are written as specified in MIL-STD-461. They contain the test methodology, addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets. These plans are available for procedures listed in MIL-STD-461 and are also available for MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, and MIL-STD-1399-300.
Custom Test Plans are also available for applications not covered in the EZ Test Plan offerings. These plans can be written for any number of applications and their relevant standards.
MIL-STD-810 Training Classes
CVG Strategy MIL-STD-810 classes will provide you with the ability to develop and conduct an environmental test program. Our two day course not only provides you with valuable information about climatic and dynamic test methods but also includes training in the methodology to correctly apply test tailoring.
This course is available online or onsite. Ample time is available for questions and comments so that participants are encouraged to keep engaged. Check here for our online Training Registration Schedule.
Put CVG Strategy’s Experience to Work for You
Companies of all sizes, from start up to established product developers, face challenges in product test and evaluation. This can particularly be the case when a product is developed for a new market sector or expanding sales internationally.
Properly tested products prevent costly product recalls, product redesign, and product liability. They maintain customer satisfaction and keep your company’s reputation in good standing. Contact CVG Strategy to see how our services can assist your engineering team with Icing/Freezing Rain MIL-STD-810 Method 521 or any other test and evaluation concern.