Posts in Vibration Test Control
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.

Read More
Multi-Shaker Push-Push Vibration Test

Multiple shaker systems are typically used for vibration testing when the unit under test (UUT) is too long or too heavy to test with a single shaker. This approach overcomes the limitations of high drive requirements with a single shaker test. Multiple shaker systems also allow the UUT to be tested in various configurations and directions in the horizontal and vertical orientations.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Dual Excitation Shaker Push-push Testing

Dual excitation shaker systems are commonly used to test long or heavy devices under test (DUT). When the device under test is very long or too heavy, a single shaker cannot perform the test because of oversized dimensions or a large driving force. Thus a dual excitation shaker system is arranged as the solution. Users can fix the longer sized or heavy DUT horizontally or vertically on top of a dual excitation shaker system. Common arrangements are horizontal push-push, push-pull, and vertical.

Read More
Understanding the Frequency Signature of a Head Expander

Head expanders are commonly used for vertical environmental testing. The purpose of the head expander is to extend the surface area of the shaker top to accommodate units under test (UUTs) with large dimensions for mounting and testing. One of the key parameters is the working frequency range associated with each head expander. The upper frequency is often used instead of the first resonance frequency of the head expander in vibration control tests.

Read More