'Field Studies on the Thermal Environment for Automotive Applications'

摘要

A series of field studies were conducted to determine the levels of thermal stress that occur in real world environments. Temperature data were taken from engine, passenger and trunk compartments for a wide variety of real world ambient conditions. The temperature sensors were placed both inside and on the body of various connectors to monitor actual field conditions at each connector location. The results are summarized and reveal a number of interesting features such as maximum temperature distributions, temperature swings and cool down effects. These results are subsequently used in an empirically based model to predict the cumulative thermal aging that occurs in components over their life in automotive applications. Moreover, recommendations are made in considering accelerated test parameters for product qualification.