Abstract: An accelerated weathering test apparatus of the type used to concentrate solar radiation upon test specimens including a heating element that transfers energy to the test specimens. A temperature sensor is operatively coupled to one of the test specimens for generating a test signal representative of the operating temperature of the test specimens. A controller for generating a temperature set point is connected to the temperature sensor and responsive to the test signal for selectively controlling a power level applied to the heating element in order to control a rate at which energy is transferred to the test specimens.

Abstract: An accelerated weathering test apparatus including a target board operatively coupled to a reflector device. The target board is configured to support at least one test specimen for exposure to concentrated solar radiation. The reflector device is configured to reflect and concentrate solar radiation onto the at least one test specimen. The reflector device includes a bed and a plurality of mirrors. Each mirror is disposed on the bed in one of a first operative position, where solar radiation is reflected on the at least one test specimen, and a second operative position, where no solar radiation is reflected on the at least one test specimen.

Abstract: An assembly for characterizing weathering reciprocity of a material includes an array of natural accelerated weathering test apparatus of the type used to concentrate solar radiation upon test specimens formed from the material. Each natural accelerated weather and test apparatus includes a temperature control system for maintaining the test specimens at a desired temperature. The plurality of sets of natural accelerate weathering test apparatus are defined within the array and the test specimens are exposed to a different solar radiation intensity.