Mechanical Shock Testing
The ability of a product to withstand mechanical shocks is both a key design consideration and an important selling point for certain types of military and consumer goods. For this reason, a dynamic mechanical analysis is a required component of quality control and product testing.
At NTS, we have extensive experience with all types of mechanical shock testing and can quickly and accurately turn around projects with a wide range of requirements. We can measure the impact of sudden acceleration or deceleration using precise tools such as strain gages, load cells, piezo sensors. We can also help you meet associated regulatory and international standards including ASTM D3332, ISO 2247, MIL-STD-167 and more.
Background Information
Mechanical shocks are generally limited to a frequency range of up to 10,000 Hz and time duration of not more than 1.0 second. This type of testing stresses materials including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and electronic parts to assess the physical integrity, continuity, and functionality of the material. NTS has extensive capabilities in tailoring mechanically induced shock to your particular situation (e.g., steel to steel, steel to lead, low g’s with moderate duration, high speed with long duration and ½ sine wave form, jolt and tumble, classical shock, drop towers delivering to 20,000g (196,000 m/s2) and a unique hammer device producing a metal to metal shock on 3-axis simultaneously).
Our Mechanical Shock Testing Services
NTS provides several different mechanical shock testing services, including:
- Simulated pyro shock testing — Pyro shock testing is important for devices that are installed in close proximity to pyrotechnic events, such as satellite and launch vehicle components, sensors, cameras and more. Our pyro shock testing capabilities include the ability to simulate events with accelerations up to 100,000 g and frequencies between 100 and 10,000 Hz.
- Drop testing — Our facilities are equipped with drop towers that can test the ability of components to withstand peak accelerations upwards of 20,000 g, or heights up to 80 feet.
- Shipboard shock testing — Products used on naval vessels must be able to withstand a variety of mechanical shocks, including everything from general turbulence to impacts from enemy ordinance. NTS can provide testing for shipboard devices graded A or B, or type A through C — including missile, radios and any other equipment that must comply with MIL-S-901 standards.
Mechanical shock testing is a broad field, and programs can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. Our engineers are available to advise you on the best sequence of events for accurately replicating the environmental conditions your product will be subject to.Contact us today to discuss a mechanical shock testing program designed to meet your specific needs.
Why NTS?
Mechanical shock testing should only be performed in qualified facilities. AT NTS, we have over 50 years of experience providing these and other quality assurance services for military contractors, consumer goods manufacturers and more. We own and operate a network of test laboratories across the country, including multiple locations serving defense contractors in Southern California and the DC metro area.
We are accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and can provide dynamic mechanical analysis in compliance with all major international and American regulatory bodies. For more information, contact our office by phone or email today.