A solver for Thermal + Radiation Aging + Mechanical Deformation:

We developed a state-of-the-art technology to accurately estimate the lifetimes or remaining performance of polymers exposed to extreme conditions. Such estimations for requalification purposes are very challenging because they are subjected to both thermally and radiation-driven degradation while in use under combined environmental conditions, meaning conditions that are usually cannot be covered by ‘short term’ accelerated aging tests. 

Using an Al-driven continuum model, NordRad is a three-dimensional kinetic solver that predicts oxidative degradation rates in combined radiation-thermal environments. Thermal oxidation, Alpha, Betta & Gamma radiation, together with mechanical deformations, are different environmental stressors that can concurrently be applied to the materials to specifically predict the performance loss of polymers. Limited data is required to train the model, and then the model has the capability to simulate the different time and aging conditions.

The solver can be also coupled to our Nord-DLO model to predict heterogeneously oxidization over time in thick samples exposed to combined radiation/temperature/air aging environments. The model is valid for both high dose and low dose rates. NordRad is compatible with FEA solvers such as Abaqus, Ansys and MOOSE.

 Below show the difference between unaged aged silicon rubber after 10 and 30 days under the mechanical load.