Vibration and Shock Test Machines for Large Ship Systems Components

This proposal describes an innovative approach to demonstrate a single test system to combine shock and vibration testing of large, complex component geometries weighing up to 100,000 lbs. This device will reliably and accurately supply shock inputs in accordance with MIL-STD 901D and sinusoidal vibration per MIL-STD 167. Our approach will employ our experience and expertise of using pneumatic shock generators with hydraulic vibration simulators, control hardware and structures to meet the challenges of this design. We must optimize the test structure to maintain load continuity over the appropriate frequency ranges for the necessary periods of time. Due to a large variety of test subjects with equally wide ranges of center of gravity and natural frequencies, the test platform will require the ability to counteract a broad range of systems and inputs. A control system which provides a simple means to configure test inputs in terms of acceleration, velocity and displacement will need to be developed. The successful outcome of this research will lead to a phase II prototype development designed to validate our approach and prepare for phase III commercialization.