EN 2155-14:1993

Overview

EN 2155-14:1993 is a European standard developed by CEN that defines the test method for determining the 1/10 Vicat softening temperature of transparent thermoplastic materials used in aircraft glazing. This measurement is critical for assessing the thermal properties and performance of materials that provide transparency and withstand operational conditions in aerospace applications. The standard ensures consistent and reliable testing procedures, helping manufacturers and engineers evaluate material suitability for aircraft windows, canopies, and other glazing components.

Key Topics

• 1/10 Vicat Softening Temperature
  The standard focuses on measuring the temperature at which a specified penetration occurs under a standardized load, indicating the onset of softening in thermoplastic glazing materials.

• Transparent Thermoplastic Materials
  Materials covered include polycarbonates, acrylics, and other transparent plastics commonly used in aircraft glazing systems to provide visibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.

• Standardized Test Procedures
  The test involves applying a precise load to a flat specimen and measuring temperature at specific penetration depth, ensuring reproducible and comparable results across different samples and laboratories.

• Applicability to Aerospace
  Emphasizes material properties relevant to aircraft safety, such as maintaining structural integrity and optical clarity at elevated temperatures encountered during flight.

Applications

• Aircraft Glazing Material Selection
  Manufacturers use the Vicat softening temperature data to choose appropriate glazing materials that can withstand operational temperature ranges without deformation or optical degradation.

• Quality Control and Material Certification
  The EN 2155-14:1993 test method supports quality assurance processes by providing a benchmark for verifying material compliance with aerospace performance requirements.

• Research and Development
  Material developers assess new thermoplastic formulations for improved thermal resistance and durability by applying this standardized thermal softening test.

• Maintenance and Safety Assessments
  Aviation maintenance teams rely on material data derived from this standard to evaluate the condition and longevity of existing aircraft glazing, ensuring continued airworthiness.

Related Standards

• EN 2155 Series
  EN 2155 encompasses multiple parts specifying comprehensive test methods for various properties of transparent materials used in aerospace glazing beyond softening temperature.

• ISO 306 - Plastics - Determination of Vicat Softening Temperature
  Provides general guidelines for Vicat softening tests in plastics, complementing the aerospace-specific procedures defined in EN 2155-14.

• ASTM D1525 - Standard Test Method for Vicat Softening Temperature of Plastics
  An alternative international standard for measuring softening temperature, useful for cross-referencing and global compliance.

• Aerospace Material Standards
  Other aerospace-focused material standards address optical clarity, impact resistance, and chemical durability of aircraft transparent components, supporting a holistic approach to material assessment.

Adhering to EN 2155-14:1993 ensures consistent evaluation of transparent thermoplastic materials, promoting safety, performance, and reliability in aircraft glazing applications. This standard remains essential for manufacturers and quality professionals engaged in aerospace material testing and certification processes.