Shock Testing

Shock Testing

Shock tests are essential in assessing the durability of a material and its ability to withstand the non-repetitive shocks and vibrations that may be encountered in handling, shipping, and service environments. The tests are also used to determine the degree of fragility of an item, so that suitable protective packaging can be created. Shock tests are also a way to measure the reliability of the mechanisms that attach equipment to platforms that are subject to crash forces.

When a piece of machinery is subjected to mechanical shocks, it will have a reaction at both its forced and natural frequencies. This response can cause a variety of issues, such as increased or decreased friction, loss of insulation resistance, and oscillations in the magnetic and electrostatic fields. It can also lead to permanent deformations due to excessive stress, as well as quicker wear and tear of the material.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the results, shock tests must be conducted in a controlled environment. Shock tables are used for this purpose, and are equipped with an exciter that can produce force and frequency levels of varying intensities. The table is also equipped with a controller that allows for precise control of the parameters of the test. Different types of shock tests, such as vibration tests, drop tests, and shock tests, can be conducted. The results of these tests will help to determine the maximum amount of force that can be applied to the item, as well as its capacity to withstand the force.