Patent ID: 8670938

Claim:
A method for accurate service life prediction by controlling an accelerated weathering test apparatus including a test chamber, a mount disposed in the test chamber for supporting a test specimen, an irradiance source disposed in the test chamber, a temperature adjustment source disposed in the accelerated weathering test apparatus and in communication with the test chamber, a moisture adjustment source disposed in the accelerated weathering test apparatus and in communication with the test chamber, a controller connected to the irradiance source, temperature adjustment source and moisture adjustment source including a processor and a memory that stores programming instructions, that when executed by the processor, causes the controller to function to operate the irradiance source, temperature adjustment source and moisture adjustment source, the method comprising: recording operating parameters of a multi-variable micro-environment cycle; exposing the test specimen to the multi-variable micro-environment cycle in the test chamber in accordance with the operating parameters; monitoring the exposure of the test specimen to the multi-variable micro-environment cycle in the test chamber to generate run-time variables; and adjusting the programming instructions so that the run-time variables reconcile to the operating parameters.