MOST COMMON TYPES OF VIBRATION TESTING (Minimum requirements to setup profiles)

1. Sine Sweep (includes sine sweep, dwell, resonance searches):

These tests will be defined with a Sweep profile (usually a table or a graph, where the frequency range is given, in respect to acceleration and/or displacement) and one of the following combinations:

- Frequency range, Acceleration value, Displacement AND

- Sweep rate + number of sweeps OR

- Number of sweeps + total test time OR

- Sweep rate + total test time.

NOTE: When the test is a Resonance Search + Dwell Test at each resonant frequency found, testing time is not known at the beginning of the project/testing, but it can be hours and hours of testing. This part is usually charged in the quote by hourly rate.

2. Random Vibration:

This is the most modern and common form of proof testing where the vibration table exposes the unit being tested to a ‘band’ of many frequencies all at once. Also known as broadband exposure.

These tests are defined by:

- Spectral Density,

- Frequency band,

- Test exposure time.

3. Shock Testing:

Also known as ‘bump’ testing, which is the best description really. This is an exposure of half a sine wave, or square, trapezoid or whatever half pulse shape is defined. These tests are generally always defined by:

- Amplitude (generally Gs or m/s2)

- Duration (milliseconds)

- Pulse Shape (half sine/trapezoid/terminal peak saw-tooth, etc.)

What we always need to know, in order to make sure that we are able to run a test is:

- Sample size;

- Profile(s) the client wants us to run;

- The weight of the unit (sample), plus any fixture and bolting system required.

For more questions about Vibration Testing please contact us here