Sand & Dust Test: sand and dust resistance tests under MIL-STD 810 and RTCA DO-160

At the testing laboratory for avionics and military components at Istituto Giordano's Pomezia site, Sand and Dust tests can be performed under the following standards:

• MIL-STD 810 Method 510 (Procedure I and II)
• RTCA DO-160 Section 12

These tests assess the resistance of avionics, military and civil components to exposure to fine dust and sand, reproducing critical environmental conditions such as deserts or industrial environments.

Types of evidence: Dust and Sand

The infiltration of particles into devices can impair their functionality, causing structural or electrical damage. In order to check their resistance, the tests fall into two main categories:

1. Test Dust (Procedure I - Dust)

✔ Purpose: Simulate the infiltration of fine dust and evaluate its effects on internal components and systems.
✔ Particle size: < 150 μm
✔ Simulated effects:

• Obstruction of openings and cracks
• Penetration into joints, bearings and critical components
• Effectiveness of filtering systems
• Possible damage to electronic circuits and exposed surfaces

2. Test Sand (Procedure II - Sand)

✔ Purpose: Assess the impact of windblown sand, with particular attention to surface abrasion and clogging of mechanical parts.
✔ Particle size: 150 - 850 μm
✔ Simulated effects:

• Abrasion of external surfaces (erosion)
• Clogging of air intakes and filters
• Mechanical and electrical functional losses
• Reliability testing under extreme operating conditions

Test conditions and test parameters

Tests are performed in controlled environments, where temperature, wind speed and particle concentration are adjustable to simulate real-world conditions. Although the tests are conducted according to MIL-STD 810 and RTCA DO-160 standards, the parameters can be customised according to specific customer requirements.
The objective is to reproduce critical operational scenarios and evaluate the tested components' structural integrity, functionality, and durability.
 

How are the tests performed?

Sand and Dust tests are performed with the following parameters:

• Temperature: 49°C (adjustable up to 71°C on request)
• Wind speed: 18 m/s (up to 29 m/s on request)
• Dust concentration:

• MIL-STD 810: 10,6 ± 7 g/m³
• RTCA DO-160: 3,5 – 8,8 g/m³

• Sand concentration: 0,18 – 2,2 g/m
•  Test materials:

• Certified powder (≥98% SiO₂, particles <150 μm)
• Certified sand (≥98% SiO₂, particles 150-850 μm)

The tests are carried out inside a modular test chamber designed and built by Istituto Giordano, which allows objects of varying sizes to be tested:

• Small room: 1500x2000x2000 mm (ideal for avionics, electronics and sensors)
• Large room: 5000x6000x3000h mm (suitable for military vehicles, shelters and large systems)

During testing, they are monitored in real-time:

• Room temperature and humidity (via data logger)
• Thermal stabilisation and internal temperature of the sample (via T-type probes)
• Wind speed (measured with an anemometer to ensure stable values without turbulence)

Thanks to the testing system's flexibility, Istituto Giordano can test a wide range of products, guaranteeing compliance with reference standards and offering customised solutions according to specific customer requirements.










 

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