Space Qualification — Tool

Thermal cycle duration

Estimate thermal test duration from ramp times, dwell periods, cycle count and additional time for stabilisation checks and functional tests.

Inputs

Hot temperature (°C)

Cold temperature (°C)

Ramp rate (°C/min)Chamber capability with the EUT's thermal mass inside — usually slower than the empty-chamber spec.

Dwell at hot (min)

Dwell at cold (min)

Number of cycles

Overhead per cycle (min)Stabilisation criteria, functional checks, data review.

Result

Total duration—

Per cycle—

Ramp time per cycle—

Temperature swing—

Working days (8 h attended)—

The calculation assumes two ramps per cycle at the stated rate. It excludes the initial transition from ambient and the final return; allow for these separately. Dwell timing normally begins after stabilisation, so include any additional stabilisation time in the overhead.