PURPOSE:
This
test method is divided into two procedures. The small-particle
procedure (dust, fine sand) is performed to ascertain the ability of
equipment to resist the effects of dust particles which may penetrate
into cracks, crevices, bearings, and joints. The blowing sand test is
performed to determine whether materiel can be stored and operated
under blowing sand (149 to 850 um particle size conditions without
experiencing degradation of its performance, effectiveness,
reliability, and maintainability due to the abrasion (erosion) or
clogging effect of large, sharp-edged particles.
ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS:
An
airborne sand and dust environment, associated most often with the
hot-dry regions of earth, exists seasonally in other regions. Naturally
occurring sand and dust storms are an important factor in the
deployment of materiel, but with the increased mechanization of
military operations, these cause less of a problem than does sand and
dust associated with man's activities. Examples of some problems that
could occur as a result of exposure of materiel to blowing sand and
dust are:
-
Abrasion
of surfaces.
-
Penetration
of seals.
-
Erosion
of surfaces.
For more information on this or any service we provide, please feel
free to contact us at:
phone: (508)
226-4800
or fax: (508)
226-6869