Fatigue Damage Spectrum

The Fatigue Damage Spectrum (FDS) serves as a pivotal tool in the assessment of structural integrity, portraying the relationship between damage and natural frequency across the frequency domain. Its utility extends to testing laboratories, empowering them to craft precise Random vibration test profiles by analyzing acceleration vibration data derived from real-world environments. By using the FDS, these labs can accurately delineate the damage experienced by structures under dynamic loads, facilitating the development of robust testing protocols essential for ensuring product reliability and safety.

Modal Analysis of Satellite Model using EDM Modal

The case described in this article examines the modal characteristics of a satellite model acquired from performing experimental modal analysis. A hammer impact test was carried out with two teardrop uni-axial accelerometers (mounted in different directions) to study the modal behavior. The roving excitation method assists in completely avoiding the potential mass loading side effect produced by a roving response procedure. A hard tip was selected to excite the higher frequency modes.

Mode Shape Characterization

Shaker applications involve the use of many attachments to the shaker’s armature. Head expanders, fixtures, adapters, and devices under test (DUT’s), all attach to the shaker for the testing process. While it is common to simply consider the added mass of these components, their deformation during vibration can also have a significant impact on the vibrations experienced at any certain point of interest.

Blade Fatigue Testing (BFT)

Crystal Instruments is excited to announce the release of our new VCS software module, Blade Fatigue Testing (BFT). Fatigue testing of blades is a critical step in mechanical design, whether it be turbine, compressor, or even propeller blades.

Jason Cooke - Applications EngineerDecember 6, 2023Environmental Testing

New Signal Viewer Software

VCS includes a full range of functions to create/run tests, calculate signals, and analyze/report/export data. Some users may not require all these tests and may prefer a lighter, more signal focused experience. These users can now use our new software program, Signal Viewer.

Matthew Carroll - Software EngineerNovember 29, 2023Environmental Testing

Announcing EDM 11.1

Our team is thrilled to announce the 11.1 version of Engineering Data Management (EDM) software. Packed with a range of new features and improvements, this update is designed to elevate the user experience.

Intelligent Drive Clipping – Improved Sigma Clipping

Why Sigma Clipping?
This feature prevents amplifiers from tripping when the input ranges of an amplifier are lesser than the drive signal required to achieve a target GRMS.

Prithvi Kanugovi - Application EngineerNovember 28, 2023Environmental Testing

MESA Shaker Testing on Dual 300 KN Shaker System

Crystal Instruments Multi-Exciter Single- Axis (MESA) vibration test control allows users to closely replicate real-world applications according to the complex and multi-DOF nature of real vibrations. MESA vibration testing is most commonly used with higher forces on each axis and with long vertical dimensional testing units. Crystal Instruments provides the highest quality and technologically advanced solutions for MESA vibration testing and recently provided comprehensive MESA testing on a dual 300 KN shaker system at an industrial environmental testing lab.

Jeff Zhao, Ph.D.August 30, 2023Environmental Testing

Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Testing with Crystal Instruments

In the evolving world of transportation, Electric Vehicles (EV) have become a superior choice for consumers, resulting in a rising demand for automobile manufactures to produce safe, reliable, and efficient EV’s. Along with the higher production volume comes rigorous standards for testing, specifically when it comes to the crucial components, such as battery packs.

Jordi Gargallo - Europe Sales ManagerAugust 23, 2023Environmental Testing

How to control a vibration test in EDM using a Python MQTT client

Users can monitor the status of environmental tests (vibration, temperature, humidity) operating in EDM VCS, measurements taken in EDM DSA, and remotely located tests by implementing MQTT in EDM.

New Ground Vibration Testing Video

Watch our new Ground Vibration Testing video with narration by Walter Kemphaus, Product Manager. To learn more about Ground Vibration Testing, visit: https://www.crystalinstruments.com/ground-vibration-test

Transducer Calibration Software

The new Transducer Calibration Software helps ensure accurate vibration test measurements by simplifying the calibration process, saving time, and confirming that measurements are performed within specifications.

Test Group feature in EDM Vibration Control Software

This article discusses a new EDM 11.0 release feature called Test Group, which organizes multiple tests into sections, to run in sequence, and shares test configurations. EDM allows users to configure and re-use the same test for the same or different objects. All configurations and test parameters are applied to a single test. Settings can be loaded and applied to a new test from a saved library. Test configurations are easily shared by sharing just the test file.

Quickly display many signals in stack plots and individual plots

Updated signal display features in Engineering Data Management (EDM) software, version 11.0 allows users to quickly add many signals in stack plots and individual plots.

Linear and Angular Displacement Protection for Multiple-Exciter Single-Axis testing

This article discusses the concept and implementation of a unique safety feature for environmental testing with a focus on Multiple Exciter Single Axis (MESA) vibration testing.

MESA Vibration TestingJeff Zhao, Ph.D.February 27, 2023Environmental Testing

MESA Sine on Random Vibration Control

This paper concentrates on the MESA Sine on Random control per MIL STD 810H, method 514.8, annex D, 2.3 category 14. This category governs Sine on Random control for helicopters.

Crystal Instruments designed and released the Spider-80M Multiple-Exciter Single-Axis (MESA) vibration controller in 2018. Further details regarding the MESA testing system are available on the Sentek Dynamics website. Detailed product specifications may be requested from the Crystal Instruments team.

Introducing SRS Predictive Notching

Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) testing is commonly required for defense applications. The UUTs are tested under significantly high levels of shock waveforms.

The concept of SRS predictive notching was proposed a few years ago to fully test UUTs and ensure their survival experiencing real-world vibrations while protecting it from over testing.

Vibration Test ControlJeff Zhao, Ph.D.April 25, 2022Environmental Testing

Tech Talks by TANDM in South Africa (March 15 & 17, 2022)

Technical sessions (Tech Talks) exploring Electrodynamic Vibration Testing technology were organized by Crystal Instruments partner TANDM in South Africa at Cape Town Hazendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch on March 15, 2022 and at Pretoria, Future Africa, University of Pretoria on March 17, 2022.

Jordi Gargallo - Europe Sales ManagerMarch 15, 2022Environmental Testing

Turbine Blade Fatigue Testing Overview

Turbine engines are the power sources of aircrafts. The reliability of turbine engines is crucial when ensuring aircraft safety. Failure analysis of turbine engines reveals the catastrophic damage a turbine blade failure can cause to the engine, depending on the location of the blade. Turbine blade fatigue testing can help engineers investigate and improve the material and design of turbine blades.

Tim Hsiao - Senior Product ManagerFebruary 23, 2022Environmental Testing

Ground Vibration Testing (GVT) of Aircraft Assembly

A Ground Vibration Test (GVT) involves carrying out modal analysis of an aircraft and its sub-assembly components to analyze and detect any changes in their structural properties. The modal parameters determined through this testing are used to validate analytical models. The modal characteristics are also used to predict the flutter of the aircraft in order to create a safe flight envelope before flight operation. Thus, GVT is a crucial process in the design and development cycle of aircrafts.

Aakash Umesh Mange - Senior Application EngineerJanuary 7, 2022Environmental Testing