Testing of cable insulation for aerospace applications

Reliable cable insulation is needed to replace MIL-W-81381 (polyimide) in low to medium voltage aerospace power applications. Potential cable insulation systems are tested to determine their suitability in an aerospace environment. The top ten cable insulations recommended by NASA Lewis Research Center (based on preliminary evaluation done by Air-Force Wright Laboratory (WL) and by NASA Johnson Space Center/White Sands Test Facility (WSTF)) are evaluated for their dielectric properties. Test results on electrical breakdown measurements made on the cables under dc, ac 60 Hz, and ac 400 Hz electric field at three temperatures: 23/spl deg/C, 100/spl deg/C, and 200/spl deg/C in a circulating hot air environment are presented.<
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