Testing that Reaches the World
Aerospace Testing
For over 30 years, Clark Testing has been a strategic provider of RTCA/DO-160 testing services to the global network of Aerospace Equipment Manufacturers. Our broad array of capabilities enables us to establish the extreme operating conditions to conduct product qualification services for the aerospace industry.
RTCA/DO-160 compliant testing services consist of: vibration, shock, thermal, thermal shock, vacuum, altitude, acoustics, modal analysis, dynamics response, structural integrity, corrosion, metals analysis, failure analysis, hydraulics, EMC / EMI compliance, oil, lubrication and grease analysis.
Along with the RTCA/DO-160 environmental testing services, Clark’s structural lab provides structural load testing of aircraft components such as fixed wing, fuselage and rotary equipment. Our unique infrastructure of over 250,000 sq. ft. of lab area enables Clark to conduct structural testing of large aerospace components such entire wing and tail sections of aircraft.
Most Aerospace test service providers have similar testing capabilities and equipment; however, Clark Testing separates itself by having the top technical and engineering talent with many years of experience in the aerospace industry. Our team of engineers and technicians recognizes the complexity of product development, the criticality of timing and the importance of forming a collaborative relationship to achieve our customers’ objectives.
In addition to RTCA/DO-160 testing, Clark also provides MIL-Standard testing services all of which are covered under the auspices of its independently audited 17025 Quality Program.
DO-160 Testing Services
- DO-160 Section 4.0 Temperature and Altitude
- Temperature testing checks the effects of temperature on the system, Condensation also can be a factor coming from cold temperatures. Altitude tests check the effects of altitude, including loss of cabin pressure on the device, system, or equipmet.
- DO-160 Section 5.0 Temperature Variation
- These tests exercise the assemblies capability of surviving extreme temperature changes and the effects of differing coefficients of thermal expansion.
- DO-160 Section 6.0 Humidity
- These tests under humidity check the effects of high concentrations of humidity and the articles ability to withstand moisture effects.
- DO-160 Section 7.0 Operational Shocks and Crash Safety
- This aircraft type dependent test checks the effects of mechanical shock. Crash safety test insures the item does not become a projectile in a crash. The norm describes the test procedure for airborne equipment.
- DO-160 Section 8.0 Vibration
- Aircraft type dependant test checks the effects of vibration and the equipment's ability to operate during all vibration scenarios.
- DO-160 Section 10.0 Waterproofness
- These tests subject the test articles ability to various scenarios of dripping water or pooled water to verify the unit will fully operate in the given condition.
- DO-160 Section 14.0 Salt Spray
- This test verifies the test articles ability to survive multiple exposures of salt fog and drying and the environment's ability to cause accelerated corrosion.
- DO-160 Section 20.0 Radiated and Conducted Susceptibility
- This test combines the RS03 / 103 and CS114 tests under one heading. Conducted susceptibility testing covers the frequency range from 10 kHz to 400 MHz and applies to interconnect cabling. The bulk current injection (BCI) method is used and severity levels vary widely, depending on component location and cable routing. Radiated susceptibility covers the frequency range from 100 MHz to 18 GHz, and is basically the same as the MIL-STD test technique. As with the conducted susceptibility test, severity levels vary widely.
- DO-160 Section 21.0 Radiated and Conducted Emissions
- This test combines the conducted and radiated E-field emission tests from MIL-STD-461 under one heading. Although LISNs are specified in the test setups, this standard requires that current be measured using a clamp-on current probe. The frequency range for conducted emissions is 150 kHz to 30 MHz for power lines and 150kHz to 100 MHz for interconnected cables. The radiated emission testing is very similar to RE02 method of 461 and covers the frequency range from 2 MHz to 6 GHz.
- DO-160 Section 24.0 Icing
- This test determines performance characteristics for equipment that must operate when exposed to icing conditions.
- DO-160 Section 25.0 ESD
- This checks for resilience vs ESD in handling and operation.
Testing Services
Structural, Load and Fatigue
Unique to each test specimen are its functional and design-basis lifetime requirements. Clark’s facilities have the equipment and technical expertise to test a variety of components for mechanical fatigue and failure, life cycle, aging, accelerated aging, and simulation.
Shock and Vibration
Clark Testing’s Vibration laboratory has multiple hydraulic and electrodynamic shakers making Clark Testing the ideal fit for all your testing needs. Our Vibration laboratorys' investment in new equipment has led to Clark Testing being an industry leader in Vibration Testing.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Common to automated systems and electronics in the industry is the requirement to ensure electromagnetic compatibility of components and mitigate vulnerability to outside sources. Emissions and Immunity analysis provides insight as to the potentially undesirable propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency interference.
Environmental
Clark Dynamics has the environmental chambers to accelerate aging and validate functional performance for longer product life expectancy. Clark can accommodate large component aging for extended periods simulating containment internal conditions as high as 170C.
