Accelerated Aging
DTB’s client wanted the capability to predict the degradation of a variety of items in shelf-storage configurations. The client also needed to predict life improvement/degradation with alterations in packaging configurations.
Our solution was to develop a conceptual framework to include the aging of the packaging and contents, as well as the interaction effects between the packaging and contents. We also designed and performed aging protocols, including a comprehensive data analysis, to develop a capability to predict degradation kinetics by coupling Arrhenius and empirical components.
Accelerated Aging Testing Services
Today’s high performance ballistic armor systems are configured as multi-component, multi-interface entities that can be thought of as multi-interface macro-composites.
During service, these configurations are subjected to a number of stresses, including extreme temperatures; thermal cycling; static, vibratory, and impact loads; moisture intrusion; and UV and sand and dust exposure. In many instances, one or more of these environmental or dynamics/vibration stresses are present simultaneously.
Composite Armor
Predicting how an armor configuration will respond to ballistic threats, after having been exposed to multiple stresses for various lengths of time, is extremely difficult. At the same time, due to its direct effect on survivability, the development of a theoretical framework to predict the response of the armor, as a function of time in service, is crucial.
At DTB, we have formulated a framework to predict the response of complex armor configurations using a structured protocol, which involves:
- Dissociation of the configuration of interest into representative interfaces
- Preparation of coupons for each interface type
- Design of an accelerated aging matrix, depending on the types of stresses considered
- Testing of each interface type using appropriate test methods (interface shear, impact energy, fracture path analysis, stereology)
- Generation of damage kinetics for each interface
These concepts have also been used for diverse applications, such as predicting the shelf life of components, including bearings and secondary batteries.