Altitude, overpressure and rapid decompression tests
Validate your equipment in variable-pressure environments
Why carry out overpressure, altitude and rapid decompression tests?
Altitude and rapid decompression tests are used to assess the resistance of equipment to sudden pressure variations. These tests are essential for :
- Validate compliance with international standards such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, ISO 50125-3 and IEC 60068
- Test the mechanical resistance and the nominal operation of equipment to variations in pressure and altitude.
- Detect design faults such as leaks, structural weaknesses and electrical insulation faults.
- Ensure the safety and reliability of products intended for aeronautical and military.
- Validate the behaviour of products transported by air to prevent deterioration due to pressure changes.
Types of overpressure, altitude and rapid decompression tests
Our laboratories carry out a range of tests to simulate conditions of high altitude and variable pressure:
Altitude tests
- Altitude simulation up to 125,000 feet (about 4mbar)
- Extreme thermal conditions combining temperature and pressure
- Simulation des effets d’un transport aérien sur les emballages et les composants ou équipements
Rapid decompression tests
- Decompression in less than 15 seconds, and in less than 2 seconds for the BOEING standard
- Validation of the performance of electronic and mechanical components.
- Ultra-fast decompression in around 200ms
Overpressure and vacuum tests
- Validation of the integrity of envelopes at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure.
Our altitude and rapid decompression testing services
Aerospace
Defence
Industry and electric batteries
Our testing capabilities and technical resources
Altitude and pressure test facilities
- 2.3m3 chamber for combined altitude & temperature test
- 0.6m3 chamber for rapid decompression tests.
- Depression to 100 mbar absolute achieved in less than 2 seconds in a 0,43m3 chamber.
- Integrated measurement systems to monitor the reactions of the equipment tested.
Talk to our experts in altitude testing, overpressure and rapid decompression
Monitoring and analysing results
- Measurement of mechanical variations (deformation, breakage).
- Monitoring of functional parameters.
- Detect micro-leaks.
Standards applicable to altitude and rapid decompression tests
Our tests comply with the main international regulations:
- MIL-STD-810 (Method 500, 505)
- RTCA DO-160 (Section 4)
- IEC 60068-2-13, IEC 60068-2-39
- GAM EG 13, AECTP Method 312
Integrate altitude, overpressure and rapid decompression tests into product development
Altitude and decompression tests help to anticipate risks and ensure the compliance of on-board equipment. Our experts can help you with :
- Analysing the normative requirements according to your sector of activity.
- Implementation of tests with configurations adapted to your products.
- Interpretation of results and optimisation of designs.
Needs
Discover a selection of additional resources that explore topics related to this page including regulatory contexts, technical articles, and specific areas of expertise. These materials provide further insight to help you better understand the key challenges and available solutions.
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