Environmental Testing Techniques for Electronics and Materials

Book excerpt: Environmental Testing Techniques for Electronics and Materials reviews environmental testing techniques for evaluating the performance of electronic equipment, components, and materials. Environmental test planning, test methods, and instrumentation are described, along with the general environmental conditions under which equipment must operate. This book is comprised of 15 chapters and begins by explaining why environmental testing is necessary and describing the environment in which electronics must operate. The next chapter considers how an environmental test plan is designed; the methods for the environmental testing of components and materials; instrumentation and control of test chambers; shock and vibration test instrumentation; and requirements for specification writing. The reader is then introduced to factors that might affect the reliability of equipment, including high humidity environment; galvanic corrosion problems; high- and low-temperature environments; mechanical and associated hazards; transport hazards; and long-term storage. Problems posed by high altitude and space environments, nuclear radiation, and acoustic noise are also discussed. The final chapter is devoted to environmental protection techniques and looks at the effects of climatic environments on radio interference as well as the effects of the environment on the human operator. This monograph will be of value to materials scientists and electronics engineers as well as those engaged in the design, development, and production of professional and military equipment.