SRS Shaker Shock
and Pyroshock Testing
Experior Laboratories’ MIL-STD-790, NASA and JPL approved and ISO-17025:2017 accredited laboratory houses multiple state-of-the-art electrodynamic vibration and shock; SRS shaker shock and Pyroshock simulation testing systems that can handle the most demanding test specifications.
Mechanical shock testing helps determine whether a payload can remain functional when subjected to sudden, abrupt motion changes associated with service environments like product handling, shipping/transportation, rocket stage separation, weapon firing, etc. These shocks can be specified with a classical shock profile, performed on Experior Laboratories’ drop tables or electrodynamic shaker systems, or as pyroshock or SRS shocks, which can be performed on Experior Laboratories kinetic impact test systems.
Pyroshock Testing – KIPS XL For Large and Heavy Test Articles
Experior Laboratories’ kinetic impact pyroshock simulation systems (KIPS) are used for conducting the highest SRS shock testing, upwards of
35,000 G to meet our customers demanding shock requirements for component and system level testing.
The KIPS cannons replicate pyroshock events without the use of pyrotechnic devices by firing an air-compressed projectile against a horizontally mounted resonance beam, to which test payloads are mounted. This test methodology of simulated pyroshock events can be recreated in a safer, more controllable and more efficient manner than traditional pyrotechnic shock methods.
Experior Labs’ original KIPS systems are capable of testing component level payloads less than 200 pounds with a relatively small footprint spanned across the resonant beam. Payloads weighing more than 200 pounds tend to dampen the maximum frequency component of the signal, otherwise known as the knee frequency, so the weight and overall footprint limits what can be achieved with the original KIPS systems. This led the Experior Labs’ dynamics team to develope the KIPS XL system, which enables us to apply the same shock tests, with the same degree of tunability to far larger and more complex test articles at the system level rather than a component level.
The cannon size and width of the resonant beam of KIPS XL have roughly doubled in diameter and the mounting pattern enlarged by 50%. The wider impact area of the larger projectiles enables us to more uniformly move shock energy through large test articles.
Pyroshock Testing
For near or midfield Pyroshock or SRS Shock requirements that exceed the limits of an electrodynamic shaker, Experior Laboratories uses a custom Kinetic Impact Pyroshock Simulation system which allows highly customizable shock generation at levels in excess of 30,000 G.
Our Kinetic Impact Pyroshock Simulation (KIPS) test system is able to simulate near and mid field Pyroshock, experienced by the parts closest to a pyrotechnic event, by using high speed impact to excite a tunable resonant beam. By adjusting the impact force, location, and damping, this platform allows for highly customizable shock generation. Our pneumatic system allows for quick setup and resets, and means we don’t have to charge ‘per shock’ to get a custom shock profile right.
Adjustable resonance allows us to boost acceleration in only the desired frequency range. For shocks with a specified Te (event duration), adjustable muzzle velocity, impact mass, and custom damping materials allow us to customize shock duration while meeting acceleration requirements.
The KIPS system boasts short transients, narrow differences between positive and negative SRS traces, and a uniform shock input that allows for near-equal measurements at multiple fixture mounting points. We’ve designed a wide variety of custom shock platforms and fixtures using frequency analysis software to identify mode shapes and resonant frequencies, which lets us prevent cross-axis acceleration and ensure that units are not over-tested.
30,000 G Shock, measured at two diametrically opposed
accelerometer locations
SRS Shaker Shock
SRS Shock tests are specified in the Frequency Domain in terms of acceleration (G) vs. frequency (Hz) and typically are associated with high-g environments caused by severe impacts, explosive events, etc. SRS (shock response spectrum) transient shocks incorporate a broad range of frequencies into the test pulse which better approximate the real mechanical event. SRS shock is sometimes called “Pyroshock” because the high-G environment being simulated is often generated by an explosion (pyrotechnic event).
SRS Pyroshock testing is commonly used to determine a test article’s ability to tolerate the mechanical stress waves produced by a high frequency, high-G shock event, such as rocket stage separations. SRS pyroshock specs are found in most aerospace hardware test procedures, given as a graph profile showing “response” acceleration (g) on the Y-axis and frequency (Hz) on the X-axis. The Y-axis acceleration values represent the profiled g-level measured by a set of analysis filters that have a specified gain, or Q factor (Q = 10 typical).
Experior Laboratories uses Unholtz-Dickie T-2000 vibration systems optimized for high G shaker shock up to 5,000 G. Unholtz-Dickie vibration systems have inductively coupled solid metal coil armatures to prevent driver coil failure. Shakers with 3” stroke and 180 in/s of velocity allow for high G shock tests with large displacement requirements or short transients.
Experior Laboratories performs SRS Shock testing
with levels up to 5000 G on the T2000 Shakers,
making Experior Labs the industry leader in
SRS Shaker Shock.
Horizontal SRS Shock System
Space Testing Program
Experior Laboratories specializes in creating high-performing and demanding vibration, shock and vacuum tests associated with rocket launches and space environments. As one of the leading independent test laboratories in North America, Experior Labs is recognized for its superior customer service, consistent on-time delivery, project management by experts and end-to-end accountability.
Learn more about our Space Testing programs:
SpaceTesting.com
CubeSatTesting.com
SmallSatTesting.com
Shock Testing Slow Motion
Horizontal Testing Slow Motion
Shock Testing Expertise
Gerrit Lane
Gerrit Lane joined the Experior Laboratories engineering team in 2015 and has since overseen the successful completion of over 150 environmental test programs. Specializing in dynamics testing and applications, Gerrit has led the design of Experior Laboratories’ pyroshock simulation test system (KIPS), and has designed several custom suites of standard fixtures for vibration testing and shock testing applications.
Gerrit holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Kevin Sullivan
Kevin comes to Experior Laboratories with over thirty years’ experience in dynamic testing applications. During his career at Aerojet Rocketdyne he specialized in combined test environments including cryogenically conditioned and pressurized test articles associated with rocket engine components, and supported programs as diverse as the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, expendable rocket propulsion systems, and kinetic energy defense programs. Kevin holds a BSEE from the University of Wyoming.