MIL-STD 810, Method 516

Military Standard 810, Method 516, also called MIL-STD 810 shock testing, are methods to test the durability, functionality, and resilience of any material when exposed to impulse shock. These shocks resemble shocks experienced during operation, transit, handling, or crash.

TRUSTED BY ENGINEERS FROM

Introduction

MIL-STD 810, Method 516 is the military standard for shock testing of military equipment and instruments. It prescribes the methods for determining the resistance of equipment to shock resulting from sudden acceleration or velocity changes produced by the movement of transport vehicles, deployment, or field operation. The test is devised to simulate real-life conditions that the military hardware may encounter and, hence, is supposed to cope with sudden shocks without malfunction or damage. It finds extensive application in defense, aerospace, and other industries where assurance in the durability and reliability of a product is required.

Scope

MIL-STD-810, Method 516, articulates how military equipment should be tested for shock resistance under diverse conditions to assure durability and reliability in performance. The method deals with procedures on how items resist sudden impacts, drops, or other high-stress events, which may happen to them while in movement, being handled, or in operational use. It, therefore, considers the range of shock environments, from controlled laboratory tests to realistic field scenarios, such that the equipment remains within the criteria without failures during service. Method 516 simulates these conditions to identify potential vulnerabilities, making the equipment robust for extreme environments, even combat zones.

Test Procedure

MIL-STD 810 testing, method 516, also called MIL-STD 810 shock testing, uses different procedures depending on the nature of the impulse shock. Each procedure is designed to simulate real-world scenarios. Shocks are measured in Gs and range between 1s and 0.1s. The following methods are described in MIL-STD 810 shock testing:

Procedures	Description
Procedure 1	Functional Shock: It intends to test the product under shocks encountered during its operating condition.
Procedure 2	Transportation Shock: It is designed to replicate forces of varying amplitude and frequency experienced by the material during transportation. For this purpose, classical saw tooth shock is applied.
Procedure 3	Fragility: The material is exposed to shocks of large magnitude, and the intensity is systematically increased until structural or operational failure. This method is helpful in designing the right packaging for the material.
Procedure 4	Transit Drop: It tests the product for an accidental drop during operation or transit by dropping the product, packaged or unpackaged, onto a hard surface.
Procedure 5	Crash Hazard Test: This test is designed to test the integrity of the product mounted in air or ground vehicles. Breaking loose is considered a failure.
Procedure 6	Bench Handling: It tests the unpackaged product to survive shocks experienced on a bench during repair/maintenance.
Procedure 7	Pendulum Impact: It assesses shipping containers’ ability and packaging to resist accidental horizontal shocks.
Procedure 8	Catapult Launch/Arrested Handling: It is intended for material mounted in or on fixed-wing aircraft subject to shock from catapult launches and arrested landings.

Limitations and Advantages of MIL-STD 810, Method 516

The following are some of the limitations & advantages of MIL-STD 810, Method 516:

Limitations	Advantages
Does not account for any electromagnetic force or vibrational shock for testing.	It tests for multiple shocks likely to be suffered by a product, as per military standards. It also determines the dimensions of packaging needed according to the operating limits.

Industrial Application of MIL-STD 810, Method 516 Test

Military and Defense Equipment Testing
Aerospace
Automotive
Nuclear applications
Consumer Electronics and Mobile Devices
Shipping and Packaging
Marine Equipment

Conclusion

MIL-STD-810G, Method 516 stipulates the need to ensure that military and commercial equipment has adequate resistance to various conditions of shock and impact. It shall assist the manufacturer in product design verification for durability and performance in these challenging environments by applying controlled, realistic forces in a simulated manner. The intense testing process improves reliability and reduces the chances of failure while on a critical mission or operation targeted for mission success and safety.

FAQs

What is the MIL-STD-810 method 516 procedure?

Shock testing, according to Procedure I of MIL-STD 810, Method 516, is intended to test products while operating to see if any functional problems occur and to determine if they survive without damage. The applied shocks usually represent those that may be encountered during operational service.

What is method 516.8 procedure IV?

Method 516, Procedure IV, is for testing products that could be accidentally dropped, such as when they are removed from a shelf or dropped during handling.

What is MIL-STD-810 low temperature?

MIL-STD 810 low temperature evaluates the effects of low temperatures on the integrity, safety, and performance of material during storage and use. This method is best for assessing material that will likely be exposed to a low temperature environment during its life cycle.

Can MIL-STD-810 Method 516 be used for commercial applications?

While MIL-STD-810 is primarily a military standard, its methods are also widely used in commercial industries to ensure product reliability and durability.