A Review of Efforts To Improve Dynamic Environment Testing Practices

Abstract

When performing in-lab vibration or shock testing, the test article is attached to the desired excitation equipment through a test fixture. Historically, these fixtures are designed to be rigid, with the fixture natural frequencies much higher than the band of interest, therefore not inducing any additional dynamics on the test article. However, this approach results in an unrealistic representation of the dynamic field environments experienced by test articles which can lead to over-testing or under-testing.

Several methods aimed to improve dynamic environment testing have been developed and studied over the years. This paper contains a review of the history of vibration testing and methods explored to improve common test practices with a focus on dynamic fixture design and optimization.