"Vibration Testing"

The continuing demand for engineering products which can withstand severe dynamic environments has led to a steady growth in the sophistication of "Vibration Testing" procedures. Increased reliability and performance are required of many products ranging from consumer electronics to military hardware, and a demonstration of survival in a simulated vibration environment is a prime requirement of many procurement specifications.

"Vibration Testing" is used to test the durability of the product. "Vibration Testing" is used more frequently in the mechanical industry to test the vibration durability of the mechanical equipments. "Vibration Testing" is also used in civil engineering. "Vibration Testing" is used in civil engineering to test the structural strength.

"Vibration Testing" is important because most products are shipped in trucks, planes, and other means that create vibrations the packaged product must withstand. Not knowing what the packaged product can or cannot handle from certain vibrations could mean a destroyed product once delivered to your customer. "Vibration Testing" helps you avoid this problem and remedial measures prevents loses due to Vibration.

More on "Vibration Testing"

"Vibration Testing" is the shaking or shocking of a component or assembly to see how it will stand up to real life environment. In electronics, it is used it to test the ability of printed circuit boards and its assembly or electronic components to withstand real life situation when these devices are shipped by means of air, sea or land. Real life environment also includes simulating its normal or extreme operational conditions where it is operating. Damaged is most likely to occur when the device is vibrated at its natural or resonant frequency.

There are typically 3 vibration levels that can be used as a guide for the reliability engineer. However, he may choose to establish different criteria for any device based on the projected service environment. The 3 levels are light vibration, medium vibration and heavy vibration. Light vibration is tested for electronic devices that are mounted on the walls. Medium vibration is tested for equipment that have electronic control boxes mounted into them. Heavy vibration is for those installation that are used in moving vehicles e.g. truck, trailers or cars.

There are 3 types of tests that are usually performed. They are shipping, performance and endurance vibration. There are 3 ortogonal axes of the device that will be tested. They are identified as X, Y and Z axis. Tests will be performed on each of the 3 axis. The test methods below are just for references. Always check the specifications and test methods that you would like to use for your particular device.

Shipping "Vibration Testing"

This test is used to simulate the vibration levels that occurred when devices are transported using rail or truck. This test is usually done with the devices packed at its final packaging for shipment. The electronic devices must be able to withstand 1G of random vibration with frequency sweep from 3 to 50 Hz for 20 minutes in each axis.

After the testing is done, physical checking for internal or external damage will determine whether the product passed the test. Electrical testing also needs to be evaluated after the test.

Performance "Vibration Testing"

Performance vibration testing is done to examine the functional performance of the device during the test. An example of the vibration level is as shown in the table below.

After the testing is done, physical checking for internal or external damage will determine whether the product passed the test. Electrical testing also need to be evaluated after the test.

Endurance "Vibration Testing"

Endurance vibration testing is done to examine the performance of the device when it is vibrated at its resonant frequency. An example of the vibration level is as shown in the table below.