MIL-STD-202G
METHOD 106G
MOISTURE RESISTANCE
1.PURPOSE. The moisture resistance test is performed for the purpose of evaluating, in an accelerated manner, the resistance of component parts and constituent materials to the deteriorative effects of the high-humidity and heat conditions typical of tropical environments. Most tropical degradation results directly or indirectly from absorption of moisture vapor and films by vulnerable insulating materials, and from surface wetting of metals and insulation. These phenomena produce many types of deterioration, including corrosion of metals, physical distortion and decomposition of organic materials, leaching out and spending of constituents of materials; and detrimental changes in electrical properties. This test differs from the steady-state humidity test (method 103 of this standard) and derives its added effectiveness in its employment of temperature cycling, which provides alternate periods of condensation and drying essential to the development of the corrosion processes and, in addition, produces a "breathing" action of moisture into partially sealed containers. Increased effectiveness is also obtained by use of a higher temperature, which intensifies the effects of humidity. The test includes low temperature and vibration subcycles (when applicable, see 3.4.2) that act as accelerants to reveal otherwise indiscernible evidence of deterioration since stresses caused by freezing moisture and accentuated by vibration tend to widen cracks and fissures. As a result, the deterioration can be detected by the measurement of electrical characteristics (including such tests as dielectric withstanding voltage and insulation resistance) or by performance of a test for sealing. Provision is made for the application of a polarizing voltage across insulation to investigate the possibility of electrolysis, which can promote eventual dielectric breakdown. This test also provides for electrical loading of certain components, if desired, in order to determine the resistance of current-carrying components, especially fine wires and contacts, to electro-chemical corrosion. Results obtained with this test are reproducible and have been confirmed by investigations of field failures. This test has proven reliable for indicating those parts which are unsuited for tropical field use.
2.APPARATUS.
2.1 Chamber. A test chamber shall be used which can meet the temperature and humidity cycling specified on figure 106-1. The material used to fabricate the platforms and standoffs, which support the specimens, shall be nonreactive in high humidity. Wood or plywood shall not be used because they are resiniferous. Materials shall not be used if they contain formaldehyde or phenol in their composition. Provisions shall be made to prevent condensate from the chamber ceiling dripping onto the test specimens.
2.1.1Opening of the chamber door. During the periods when the humidity is ascending or descending, the chamber door should not be opened. If the chamber door must be opened, it should be opened during the 16th hour through the 24th hour of an individual cycle. While the chamber is at 25°C (77°F), and the relative humidity tolerance must be maintained, the chamber door should be opened only for a short period of time.
2.1.2Water. Steam, or distilled and demineralized, or deionized water, having a pH value between 6.0 and 7.2 at 23°C (73.4°F) shall be used to obtain the specified humidity. No rust or corrosive contaminants shall be imposed on the test specimens by the test facility.
3. PROCEDURE.
3.1Mounting. Specimens shall be mounted by their normal mounting means, in their normal mounting position, but shall be positioned so that they do not contact each other, and so that each specimen receives essentially the same degree of humidity.
3.2Initial measurements. Prior to step 1 of the first cycle, the specified initial measurements shall be made at room ambient conditions, or as specified.
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NOTES:
1.Allowance of 100 percent RH is intended to avoid problems in reading values close to 100 percent RH, but actual chamber operation shall be such so as to avoid condensation.
2.Unless otherwise specified, the steady state temperature tolerance is ±2°C at all points within the immediate vicinity of the specimens and the chamber surfaces.
3.Rate of change of temperature is unspecified; however, specimens shall not be subjected to radiant heat from chamber-conditioning processes.
4.Circulation of air in the chamber shall be at a minimum cubic rate per minute equivalent to 5 times the volume of the chamber.
FIGURE 106-1. Graphical representation of moisture-resistance test.
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3.3Number of cycles. Specimens shall be subjected to 10 continuous cycles, each as shown on figure 106-1. In the event of no more than one unintentional test interruption (power interruption or equipment failure) prior to the completion of the specified number of cycles (except for the last cycle), the cycle shall be repeated and the test may continue. Unintentional interruptions occurring during the last cycle require a repeat of the cycle plus an additional uninterrupted cycle. Any intentional interruption, or any unintentional interruption of greater than 24 hours requires a complete retest.
3.4Subcycle of step 7. During at least 5 of the 10 cycles, a low temperature subcycle and, if applicable, a vibration subcycle shall be performed.
3.4.1 Step 7a. At least 1 hour but not more than 4 hours after step 7 begins, the specimens shall be either removed from the humidity chamber, or the temperature of the chamber shall be reduced. Specimens shall then be conditioned at -10°C ±2°C (14°F ±3.6°F) with humidity not controlled, for 3 hours minimum as indicated on figure 106-1. When a separate cold chamber is not used, care should be taken to assure that the specimens are held at -10°C ±2°C (14°F ±3.6°F) for the full 3 hour period. (If step 7b is not applicable, the specimens shall be returned to 25°C (77°F) at 80 percent relative humidity minimum and kept there until the next cycle begins.)
3.4.2 Step 7b (when applicable). Within 15 minutes after completion of step 7a and with humidity not controlled and temperature at room ambient, specimens shall be vibrated for 15 minutes, using a simple harmonic motion having an amplitude of 0.03 inch (0.76 mm), (0.06 inch (1.52 mm) maximum total excursion), the frequency being varied uniformly between the approximate limits of 10 and 55 hertz (Hz). The entire frequency range, from 10 to 55 Hz and return to 10 Hz, shall be traversed in approximately 1 minute. After step 7b, the specimens shall be returned to 25°C (77°F) at 80 percent relative humidity minimum and kept there until the next cycle begins.
NOTE: Step 7b is not applicable to parts that include test schedules with vibration requirements (such as method 201 or method 204 of this standard). These parts must routinely be subjected to, and pass, these requirements.
NOTE: Allowance of 100 percent RH is intended to avoid problems in reading values close to 100 percent, but actual chamber operation shall be such so as to avoid condensation.
3.5Polarization and load. When applicable, polarization voltage shall be 100 volts dc, or as specified. The loading voltage shall be as specified.
3.6Final measurements.
3.6.1 At high humidity. Upon completion of step 6 of the final cycle (or step 7 if the subcycle of 3.4 is performed during the tenth cycle), when measurements at high humidity are specified, the specimens shall be maintained at a temperature of 25°C ±2°C (77°F ±3.6°F), and a RH of 80 percent minimum for a period of 1½ to 3½ hours, after which the specified measurements shall be made. Due to the difficulty in making measurements under high humidity conditions, the individual specification shall specify the particular precautions to be followed in making measurements under such conditions.
(NOTE: Allowance of 100 percent RH is intended to avoid problems in reading values close to 100 percent, but actual chamber operation shall be such so as to avoid condensation.)
3.6.2After high humidity. Upon removal from humidity chamber, final measurements shall be made within a period of 1 to 2 hours after the final cycle. During final measurements, specimens shall not be subjected to any means of artificial drying.
3.6.3After drying period. Following step 6 of the final cycle (or step 7 if the subcycle of 3.4 is performed during the tenth cycle), or following measurements at high humidity, if applicable, specimens shall be conditioned for 24 hours at the ambient conditions specified for the initial measurements (see 3.2) after which the specified measurements shall be made. Measurements may be made during the 24 hour conditioning period; however, any failures which occur shall be considered as failures and shall not be retested later for the purpose of obtaining an acceptable result.
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4.SUMMARY: The following details are to be specified in the individual specification:
a.Initial measurements and conditions, if other than room ambient (see 3.2).
b.When applicable, the polarization voltage if other than 100 volts (see 3.5).
c.Loading voltage (see 3.5).
d.Final measurements and measurement conditions (see 3.6).
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