Liquid to Liquid Thermal Shock Testing

In liquid-to-liquid thermal shock testing, specimens are subjected to thermal shock by alternately immersing them in hot    and cold liquid media. Very high temperature rise rates can be achieved with this method. Much more than the air-to-air thermal shock process.

Liquid to Liquid Thermal Shock Testing

In liquid-to-liquid thermal shock testing, specimens are subjected to thermal shock by alternately immersing them in hot and cold liquid media. The liquid thermal shock chamber consists of individually controlled hot and cold baths. The product is immersed in the liquid and thermally stressed between hot and cold baths, resulting in an instantaneous change in product temperature.

Depending on the application, different liquids are used. Either water, silicone oil, or an inert liquid designed for thermal shock testing with high electrical resistance and low surface tension can be used. This system can provide temperature ranges from -65 to +150°C.

Video 01: Specimen basket transfer mechanism for the liquid to liquid thermal shock test

Liquid to Liquid vs Air to Air thermal shock testing

• Thermal shock testing using a liquid chamber is sometimes used as an alternative test method to reduce test time. Sudden temperature changes can lead to failures that are impossible in the actual usage environment, so care must be taken when checking failure modes that occur during testing.

Common Uses of Thermal Shock Test

• Testing ceramics for high-temperature application
• Testing of mechanical products deployed for the medical and defense field
• Screening processes before product shipment

Advantages of Thermal Shock Test

• Less labor-intensive
• Minimal operator error
• Minimal disturbance from the surroundings
• Test parameters can be tailored according to service condition

Industrial applications

This test is conducted to validate mechanical, electronic, and structural products used in semiconductor, construction equipment, electronics, and aerospace applications, where these products are subjected to persistent temperature gradients.