Development of a Facility to Dynamically Test Vibration Isolators

A test facility has been developed for testing large vibration isolators under service conditions. Tests demonstrate that it is capable of measuring the four-pole parameters of a vibration isolator under different conditions of static load and temperature over the frequency range from 5 Hz to 2 kHz. It is capable of testing symmetrical, asymmetrical and uni-directional asymmetrical vibration isolators. The tri-axial properties of vibration isolators may be measured, and inclined vibration isolators may also be tested. Experimental data acquired from the testing of a large commercial vibration isolator are presented, and demonstrate satisfactory operation of the facility up to a frequency of 2 kHz.