Dynamics Testing and Facilities


TestingThe 300K Dynamics Test Facility is located 2 miles from the main post area and is approved for the testing of explosive test items up to 5,000 lbs of Class 1.1. Several electrodynamic vibration exciters (shakers) are available for testing, having force ratings ranging from 2,000 to 50,000 lbf. Large reaction masses accommodate multiple exciters for tests involving large forces, massive test items, or multiple degrees-of-freedom excitation. A wide range of test setups can be accommodated in particular large structure testing using multiple shakers. Simultaneous temperature conditioning testing can be provided during vibration and shock testing

Shock testing is performed on 60" x 60", 36" x 36", and 12" x 12" shock machines. Pyrotechnic shock simulations can be performed using a resonant beam fixtures (metal to metal impact) or by the use of explosive detonating cord. Loose cargo testing can be performed on a 6000 lb. capacity Package Tester.

 

300K Dynamic Test Facility

300K Dynamic Test Facility is located 2 miles from the main post area and is approved for the testing of hazardous (explosive) items. It consists of three electrodynamic shaker buildings, a static fire bay, a pendulum impact test area, and a centrifuge. Two of the electrodynamic shaker buildings contain two 18,000 lbf. exciters arranged side-by-side so that long items can be tested. The exciters have a two-inch displacement capability. A 50,000 lbf, 2 inch displacement shaker is housed in the third building.


Other capabilities include:

  • Shock testing on 36" x 36" shock machine
  • Loose cargo vibration testing on a 6,000 lb. capacity Package Testing Machine
  • Pendulum Impact Testing (Shipping and Handling Shock on items up to 6,000 lbs.)
  • Centrifuge (Sustained Acceleration) Testing up to 100 G's on items weighing up to 300 lbs.
  • Static Firing/Dynamic Burst Testing of rocket motors 40" in diameter and 100,000 lbs of thrust

 

Photo: Testing Acceleration Test

WSMR maintains a 108-inch radius arm centrifuge available for sustained acceleration testing. The centrifuge can subject a test item weighing up to 300 lbs to a force of 100 G's. Accelerations of up to 200 G's can be achieved for smaller packages weighing up to 25 lbs.

 

 

Data Acquisition

Digital recording data acquisition systems are available. Digital data sample rates of up to 50K samples/second can be achieved. Over 150 recording channels are available with a dynamic range of 40 dB over a frequency range of DC to 20K Hz. Data can be processed in the time, frequency, or amplitude domain. Typical data processing includes:

  • Auto-Correlation
  • Cross-Correlation
  • Power Spectral Density
  • Coherence
  • Frequency Response Functions
  • Impulse Response Functions
  • Probability Analysis
  • Shock Response Spectrum Analysis

 

Vibration Test Electro Dynamic Vibration Test

Electrodynamic vibration exciters are available to meet most vibration testing requirements. Large reaction masses accommodate multiple exciters for tests involving large forces, massive test items, or multiple degrees-of-freedom excitation. A wide range of test setups can be accommodated for large structure testing by positioning multiple shakers around the structure. Most vibration test specifications can be accommodated with our Data Physics Vector II vibration control systems.

 

Impact Shock Testing

A pendulum impact shock machine with a sixteen foot cable length and a 10x16 foot mounting platform is available for performing packaged container transportation shock tests in accordance with MIL-STD-810. Rail impact tests are conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810 utilizing facilities at Ft. Bliss, Texas.

Rough Handling (drop Shock) Test Facilities are available to provide rough handling drop tests in accordance with MIL-STD-810 (Transit drop) and ITOP 4-2-602.

Photos: Rail Impact Testing and drop Testing

Instrumentation

Extensive instrumentation systems are available and are capable of measuring the following:

  • Acceleration
  • Velocity
  • Displacement
  • Force
  • Strain
  • Pressure
  • Acoustic Pressure
  • Temperature
  • Time sequence

Mobile instrumentation vans are available to support tests performed at alternate locations.

 

Load Testing and Center of Gravity Test

A variety of load cells and weight scales are available for performing load tests (dynamic or static) and center of gravity tests (5-100,000 lbs).

 

Loose Cargo Test

Two loose cargo (packaged bounce) test machines are available. The loose cargo machines meet the requirements of MIL-STD-810 and ITOP 4-2-602. The maximum test specimen weight is limited to 6,000 pounds.

 

Shock Test

Shock Test

WSMR maintains an extensive array of equipment available for shock testing. All shock tests can be remotely controlled to accommodate explosive and hazardous test items.

Shock Testing Using Electrodynamic Exciters - Electrodynamic exciters can be used to produce classical pulses (half-sine, saw-tooth, trapezoidal) and complex pulses using shock synthesis techniques. Repetitive transient and wide-band random with mixed shock pulses (transient) can also be produced.

Shock Machines - Shock tests which require classical high peak accelerations or large velocity changes can be accommodated on shock test machines. All shock test machines can be configured to provide half-sine, terminal peak saw-tooth, or square wave shock pulses.