A model for combined environment accelerated aging applied to a neoprene cable jacketing material

The present paper describes some results of a continuing program at Sandia Laboratories whose main goal is to develop more reliable accelerated aging techniques. An interesting situation in accelerated aging occurs when two or more environmental stresses lead to the deterioration of a component. Synergism is sometimes important in such cases so that the deteriorating effects of the various environments are not additive. We have proposed a model
¹
potentially applicable to combined environment aging. This paper will outline the model and indicate how it can be used to carry out accelerated aging in combined environment situations. Some preliminary data on a neoprene cable jacketing material aged in single and combined thermal and radiation environments will be described and analyzed according to the formalism of the model.