Page 4 SPECIFICATION RT-555 ISSUE 7
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4.3.2 Tensile Strength and Ultimate Elongation
Test three specimens of tubing for tensile strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with ASTM D 2671.
For tubing sizes 3/8 and smaller, use full sections of tubing. For sizes 1/2 and larger, cut the specimens with
Die D, ASTM D 412. Apply 1-inch (25-mm) centrally located benchmarks to the specimens. Use an initial
machine jaw separation of 1 inch (25 mm) for full sections of tubing and 2 inches (51 mm) for die cut
specimens. Test at a rate of jaw separation of 2.0 ± 0.2 inches (50 ± 5 mm) per minute.
4.3.3 Low Temperature Flexibility
Condition three specimens, each 12 inches (300 mm) in length, and a mandrel selected in accordance with
Table 2, at -65 ± 3ºC (-85 ± 5ºF) for 4 hours. For tubing sizes 3/4 or less, use whole sections of tubing
recovered on a stranded wire (nearest AWG which is larger than the tubing maximum inside diameter after
unrestricted shrinkage). For tubing sizes larger than 3/4, use 1/4-inch (6.3-mm) wide strips cut from tubing
which has been recovered in accordance with 4.3.1. After 4 hours conditioning, and while still at the
conditioning temperature, wrap the specimens consisting of whole sections of tubing around the mandrel for
not less than 180 degrees in 10 ± 2 seconds. Wrap strip specimens around the mandrel for not less than 360
degrees in 10 ± 2 seconds. Examine the specimens visually for evidence of cracking.
4.3.4 Heat Shock
Condition three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing for 4 hours in a 300 ± 5ºC (572 ± 9ºF) oven. Remove
the specimens from the oven, cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF), wrap 360 degrees around a mandrel selected in
accordance with Table 2 and then visually examine for evidence of dripping, flowing or cracking. Any side
cracking caused by flattening of the specimen on the mandrel shall not constitute failure.
4.3.5 Heat Resistance
Condition three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens prepared in accordance with 4.3.2 for 336 hours in a 250 ± 3ºC
(482 ± 5ºF) oven. After conditioning, the specimens shall be removed from the oven, cooled to 23 ± 3ºC (73
± 5ºF) and tested for tensile strength and ultimate elongation in accordance with 4.3.2.
4.3.6 Copper Stability
Slide three 6-inch (150-mm) specimens of tubing over a snug-fitting, straight, clean, bare solid or tubular
copper conductor. Condition the specimens on the conductors for 24 hours in an appropriate humidity
chamber at 90 to 95 percent relative humidity and 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF), followed by 16 hours in a 200 ± 3ºC
(392 ± 5ºF) oven. After conditioning, remove the specimens from the oven and cool to 23 ± 3ºC (73 ± 5ºF).
Remove the copper conductor from the tubing and examine the tubing and conductor. Darkening of the
copper due to normal air oxidation shall not be cause for rejection. Test the tubing for ultimate elongation in
accordance with 4.3.2.
4.3.7 Corrosive Effect
Test the tubing for copper mirror corrosion in accordance with ASTM D 2671, Procedure A, for 16 hours at
200 ± 3ºC (392 ± 5ºF). Use specimens of 1/4 x 1 inch (6 x 25 mm) strips cut longitudinally from the tubing.
Evidence of corrosion shall be the removal of copper from the mirror, leaving an area of transparency greater
than 8 percent of its total area.
