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THERMAL SHOCK & WATER INGRESS LAB
Splash water testing services
ISO 16750-4: ROAD VEHICLES · OEM-SPECIFIC ADAPTATIONS
ICE WATER SHOCK & RAPID THERMAL CONTRACTION TESTING
ICE WATER SHOCK
STATUS
25°C to 0°C
ICE SPLASH
ISO 16750-4
OPERATIONAL
SPLASH LAB SPECS
-50 to 150°C
CHAMBER TEMPERATURE
RANGE
25°C to 0°C
WATER TEMPERATURE
RANGE
Up to 98% RH
HUMIDITY
RANGE
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RAPID THERMAL STRESS VALIDATION
Splash Water Test (Ice Water Shock Test)
The Splash Water Test, also referred to as the Ice Water Shock Test, is part of ISO 16750-4 and is designed to simulate the harsh environmental conditions experienced by vehicle components during winter driving. It specifically replicates the thermal shock effects that occur when cold water (such as slush, snow, or ice water) suddenly contacts hot vehicle parts. This test is critical for validating the mechanical robustness and sealing integrity of components located in areas of a vehicle exposed to road spray, such as the underbody, wheel wells, and lower engine bay. The test aims to evaluate a component’s resistance to rapid thermal stress and its ability to maintain mechanical integrity and sealing performance after sudden temperature changes caused by water splashes.
Temperature Range: -50 to 150°CHumidity Range: up to 98% RHWater Temperature Range: 25°c to 0°C
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METHODOLOGY & SEQUENCE
Test Procedure
PHASE 01
Pre-conditioning (Heating Phase)
The unit under test is heated to a specific elevated temperature, simulating operating conditions.Heating duration and temperature are defined based on component specifications or OEM requirements.
PHASE 02
Splashing Phase (Thermal Shock Exposure)
Immediately after the heating phase, the hot component is exposed to a 3-second ice water splash.Water temperature is typically near 0°C (ice water conditions), creating a rapid temperature gradient.The thermal shock may induce stress due to sudden contraction of materials.
PHASE 03
Directional Application
If the component is normally splashed from a single direction in the vehicle (e.g., front or bottom), the test is conducted from that direction only.If the component is splashed from multiple directions in real-world scenarios, the test is repeated from each direction using a separate test unit for each orientation.
PHASE 04
Number of Cycles
The number of splash cycles may vary depending on the component type and OEM or supplier test requirements.Some test plans may call for repeated heating and splashing cycles to simulate cumulative fatigue.
EVALUATION PARAMETERS
Failure Criteria
A component is considered to have failed the splash water test if any of the following are observed:| Failure Criteria | Observation & Impact Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Cracking | Visible cracks or fractures in the material structure due to thermal stress. |
| Seal Failure | Compromise or breach in seals or gaskets, often caused by differential thermal expansion between materials. |
| Water Ingress | Penetration of water into the internal parts of the unit, which could lead to electrical failures or corrosion. |
| Functional Degradation | Any loss of performance or functionality of the unit post-test. |
STANDARDS FOLLOWED:
ISO 16750-4: ROAD VEHICLES – ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND TESTING FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – PART 4: CLIMATIC LOADS
OEM-SPECIFIC ADAPTATIONS OR EXTENSIONS TO ISO 16750
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APPLICATIONS
Target Components & Splash Zones
This test applies to automotive electronic and mechanical components located in zones prone to water splashing, such as:
BRAKING & SAFETY
ABS Modules
ABS modules
WHEEL WELLS
Mounted ECUs
ECUs mounted in wheel wells
POWERTRAIN
Electric Drive Units
Electric drive units or inverters
UNDERBODY
Underbody Sensors
Underbody sensors
CHASSIS & ACTUATION
Actuators & Control Modules
Actuators and control modulesThe test ensures these parts can withstand extreme thermal cycling without degradation of mechanical structure or sealing performance.
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