Space Qualification — Tool
Thermal cycle duration
"How long will the thermal test take?" is the first question every schedule asks. The honest answer is ramps plus dwells plus the overhead nobody writes down — stabilisation checks, functional tests at temperature, and getting back to ambient at the end.
Inputs
Chamber capability with the EUT's thermal mass inside — usually slower than the empty-chamber spec.
Stabilisation criteria, functional checks, data review.
Result
Total duration—
Per cycle—
Ramp time per cycle—
Temperature swing—
Working days (8 h attended)—
Assumes two ramps per cycle (up and down) at the stated rate and excludes initial pull-down from ambient and final return — add one extra half-cycle if you need door-to-door time. Dwell clocks normally start at stabilisation, not at chamber setpoint, so keep the overhead figure honest.