Solar simulation

What is the goal of a solar radiation?

The purpose of sun simulation is to determine how resistant a product is to direct sunlight.

These findings help to detect colour or structural changes early on, enabling the manufacturer to react during development. Consequently, this test plays a key role in improving product quality and durability. Sun simulation demonstrates how resistant a product is to combined UV and infrared radiation.

Parameters such as light transmission, heat resistance, and the evaporation of plasticisers from plastics are also tested.

Plastics, colours and surfaces can undergo changes under the influence of solar radiation that vary depending on the type of material and the duration of exposure. Possible effects are:

Plastics can become brittle, leading to cracking and breakage, or colour changes can occur, causing plastics to fade or turn yellow.
Surfaces can oxidise, or their structural integrity can be impaired, resulting in a loss of gloss or a change in texture.

What happens during a solar simulation?

Using a solar radiation test, PAConsult can simulate different temperatures and solar intensities depending on the time of day. The levels of sharpness can be taken from a standard or specified freely by the customer (e.g. using a global radiation map or Global Solar Atlas).

This allows you to test your products in various relevant climatic conditions and ensure they can withstand radiation influences.

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In which areas is a solar radiation used?

Sun simulation is used, for example, in:

Automotives: paints, plastics, materials for seats
Aerospace: solar cells, thermal protection systems, surface coatings
Shipping: paints for outer hulls, plastics on deck and interior, navigation instruments, sensors
Defense: coatings, sensors and equipment for military vehicles, personal equipment for soldiers
Eletronics: solar modules, displays and sensors

Standards: DIN EN 60068-2-5, MIL-STD-810

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