Vibration Testing Lab for Demanding Military Applications

Vibration Testing for military compliance is a crucial aspect for products aiming to serve in military applications. To ensure that these products can endure a severe military environment, they must undergo rigorous testing at a state-of-the-art vibration testing lab. This process involves defining the environmental life cycle that the product will encounter and then developing and executing a qualification test plan based on specific military standards. Completing these tests and documenting them in a detailed report is integral to achieving military compliance.

Why Perform Military Compliance Vibration Testing?

Military compliance vibration testing is especially crucial for military products integrated into complex and costly systems, where failure can lead to significant consequences. The principle reasons for executing this testing include the following:

  1. Ruggedizing Your Product:  Testing your product to a military standard vibration profile will ensure that it can withstand harsh vibration exposures that it would experience throughout its life cycle.
  2. Evaluating Performance: Military compliance vibration testing ensures that items will perform properly under harsh vibration conditions.  If your component does not function properly, it could cause a failure of a complicated system. 
  3. Reducing Maintenance and Preventing Field Failures:  A robust product will have less or no field failures, reduce downtime and maintenance which is critical for military applications. 

Focusing specifically on vibration testing for military compliance, this article delves into various military standards that are vital in evaluating a product’s durability and ruggedness. These include MIL-STD-167, MIL-STD-202, MIL-STD-750, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-883, each with their specific testing methods for a range of environmental conditions including sinusoidal and random vibration testing.

  • MIL-STD-167 Department of Defense Test Method Standard – Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard Equipment
  • MIL-STD-202 Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Electronic and Electrical Component Parts
  • MIL-STD-750 Test Methods for Semiconductor Devices
  • MIL-STD-810 Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests
  • MIL-STD-883 Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Microcircuits

MIL-STD-167 applies to equipment installed on Navy ships with conventionally shafted propulsion.  MIL-STD-167-1 covers mechanical vibrations caused by unbalanced rotating components of Naval shipboard equipment.  MIL-STD-167-2 is for mechanical vibrations from reciprocating machinery and lateral, longitudinal vibrations of propulsion systems and shafting. 

MIL-STD-202 establishes uniform methods for testing electronic and electrical component parts.  MIL-STD-202 defines component parts to include capacitors, resistors, switches, relays, transformers, inductors, etc.  This standard is intended to apply only to small component parts, weighing less than 300 pounds or having a root mean square test voltage up to 50,000 volts. 

MIL-STD-750 is intended to apply only to testing semiconductor devices.  Semiconductor devices include such items as transistors, diodes, voltage regulators, rectifiers, tunnel diodes, and other related parts.

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MIL Standard 810 Testing: The DES Commitment

MIL-STD-810, known for its stringent requirements, is crucial for products intended for military use, and at DES, we ensure that these products meet and exceed these rigorous standards.

Our approach to MIL Standard 810 testing is comprehensive and meticulous. We understand that each product has its unique set of challenges and requirements. Therefore, our testing process is not just about meeting the basic compliance standards; it’s about thoroughly understanding the product’s lifecycle and the environmental stresses it will endure.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to conduct the methods under MIL-STD-810H, ensuring that we cover a wide range of environmental conditions. From high and low temperatures to shock and vibration, our tests are designed to mimic the harsh conditions that products will face in real-world military environments. This thorough testing not only ensures compliance but also aids in enhancing the product’s design and durability.

Choosing DES for MIL Standard 810 testing and all other military compliance testing means partnering with a team that values precision, quality, and customer satisfaction above all else. Our experience and expertise in this field make us a trusted partner for numerous manufacturers, from small component producers to large-scale military equipment manufacturers.

Contact Delserro Engineering Solutions today to learn more about our MIL Standard 810 testing services and how we can assist in bringing your products to the highest standards of military readiness and reliability.

MIL Standard 883: Advanced Testing for Microelectronics

As mentioned in the previous list, MIL-STD-883 is critical for the testing of microelectronics used in military applications. This Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Microcircuits is essential for ensuring that microelectronic devices can withstand the demanding conditions of military use. MIL-STD-883 encompasses a comprehensive suite of test procedures tailored to assess the robustness and reliability of various microelectronic devices, including monolithic, multichip, film, and hybrid microcircuits, as well as microcircuit arrays and their constituent elements.

The standard plays a pivotal role in validating the endurance of microelectronics in extreme environmental conditions. This includes evaluating their performance under conditions of extreme temperature, vibration, and other stress factors that are commonly encountered in military environments.

For manufacturers and designers of microelectronic devices, adhering to MIL-STD-883 is not just about compliance; it’s about guaranteeing the highest levels of performance and reliability of their products in some of the most challenging conditions. This is especially crucial given the increasing complexity and miniaturization of electronic components in military hardware.

Delserro Engineering Solutions (DES) provides comprehensive testing services to ensure compliance with MIL-STD-883. Our advanced testing capabilities help manufacturers navigate the complexities of MIL-STD-883, offering the assurance that their microelectronics meet all necessary military specifications. With our state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise, we are equipped to handle the rigorous testing requirements of MIL-STD-883, delivering results that manufacturers can trust for their high-performance microelectronic products.

Vibration Testing Lab: Cutting-Edge Solutions by DES

At Delserro Engineering Solutions (DES), our state-of-the-art vibration testing lab is equipped to provide comprehensive solutions for military compliance. Understanding the criticality of these tests for military applications, we offer advanced testing procedures that replicate the exact conditions products will face in the field.

Moreover, DES recognizes the importance of customizing vibration testing to meet the specific requirements of each product and its intended use. Whether it’s testing for land and sea vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, or ground transport, we tailor our vibration testing procedures to ensure the most relevant and rigorous evaluation.

Our expertise extends beyond just executing standard tests. We work closely with our clients to develop comprehensive test plans that not only meet the required standards but also provide valuable insights into product performance and potential areas for enhancement. This approach helps in identifying and rectifying deficiencies early in the design process, saving time and costs, and ultimately leading to a more robust and reliable product.

With DES’s vibration testing lab, clients can expect not just testing, but a partnership that focuses on enhancing the quality and durability of their products. Reach out to us to discuss how we can assist in fulfilling your military vibration testing requirements with our cutting-edge solutions and expert guidance.

Contact DES today to discuss your vibration testing lab requirements.

If you want to learn more about vibration testing, please read these related blog articles:

MIL-STD-810 Vibration Testing Overview

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 4 – Truck/Trailer – Secured Cargo

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 9 – Aircraft – Helicopter

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 7 – Aircraft – Jet

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 8 – Aircraft – Propeller

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 12 – Fixed Wing Jet Aircraft

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 15 – Aircraft Stores

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 20 – Ground Vehicles – Ground Mobile

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 24 – Minimum Integrity Tests (MIT)

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Electrical Connector Testing: Ensuring Reliability in Vibrating Environments

Electrical connectors are ubiquitous components in the world of electronics, serving as the vital links that enable seamless communication and power transmission within electronic systems. In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, ensuring the integrity and reliability of electrical connectors is of paramount importance. Some are exposed to harsh vibration environments such as automotive, aerospace, military, missiles, and rockets. 

A failure or intermittent connection can cause a fault, malfunction, or a system shutdown in a complicated electronic system.  These demanding applications leave no room for error, as even a minor fault or intermittent connection can lead to catastrophic consequences, including system failures, malfunctions, or complete shutdowns. Electrical connector testing includes shock testing, mechanical load testing, and vibration testing, among others.

In this article, we will review the methodologies and standards for effective electrical connector testing in vibrating environments.

Mixed Mode, Random and Sinusoidal Vibration Testing of Electrical Connectors

Electrical connector vibration tests mimic real-world scenarios. Understanding how connectors perform under these complex conditions is crucial for designing robust systems.

How is Electrical Connector Vibration Testing performed?

The specific tests performed on electrical connectors include random, mixed mode, and sinusoidal vibration testing. (See below for links to other blog articles that explain more about the types of vibrations.)  The test equipment consists of an electrodynamic shaker that has an armature or head which produces the required excitations.  A computerized controller sends the precise vibration signals to an amplifier which boosts the signals to drive the shaker head. 

Accelerometers are used to measure the test vibrations and to provide feedback to the controller.  The connectors are mounted to a rigid test fixture that is attached to the armature, a slip table or head expander.  Proper test fixture design is important so that resonances do not occur.  Also, proper mounting of the connectors is important to ensure they are supported sufficiently, and that relative motion does not occur due to poor mounting. 

The vibration test is run at specified frequencies, amplitudes, durations according to the chosen military, automotive, aerospace, etc. specifications.  During the test, the connectors are monitored for discontinuities using an event detector that can monitor discontinuities as quickly as 0.1 microseconds.  After testing is completed, the connectors are inspected for wear and failures. 

DES will promptly deliver a detailed test report that includes the customer’s name and address, the test dates, a summary of the test procedure, equipment & measuring system calibration information, operational test data, test observations & results, color pictures of the vibration test setup and color pictures of any failures. 

Why Perform Electrical Connector Vibration Testing?

The reasons behind subjecting electrical connectors to such rigorous testing are multifaceted. As mentioned above, it helps in identifying potential issues that could lead to field failures and in the development of connectors that can maintain performance in challenging settings. More specific reasons include the following: 

  1. Evaluating Performance and Reliability: Vibration testing assesses how well electrical connectors perform and maintain their reliability in diverse vibration environments.
  2. Detecting Discontinuities: The testing procedure aims to identify if electrical discontinuities occur when connectors are subjected to typical usage vibrations.
  3. Preventing Field Failures: By simulating real-world conditions, it aids in the prevention of field failures caused by issues like fretting fatigue, plating wear, cracks, broken wires, intermittent discontinuities, or loose components.
  4. Developing Robust Connectors: Vibration testing is instrumental in the development of stronger and more robust connectors suitable for demanding applications in sectors such as automotive, military, and space industries.

EIA-364-28 and other Electrical Contractor Vibration Test Standards

Adherence to industry standards is paramount when performing electrical connector testing in vibration environments. These standards provide comprehensive guidelines and procedures for conducting rigorous testing. They emanate from a variety of organizations such as the EIA-364-28 standard from the Electronics Industries Alliance. Here are some of the prominent standards employed in the evaluation of electrical connectors’ vibrational resilience:

  • EIA-364-28 – Vibration Test Procedure for Electrical Connectors and Sockets
  • GMW 3191 – Automotive Connector Test and Validation Specification
  • MIL-STD-1344A, Method 2005 – Military Standard, Test Methods for Electrical Connectors
  • SAE USCAR-2 – Performance Specification for Automotive Electrical Connector Systems

Precision-Driven Electrical Connector Testing

If you want to learn more about vibration testing, please read these related blog articles:

DES has the experience and equipment to perform accurate, repeatable testing of electrical connectors in our controlled, world class accredited lab.  We excel at designing and making customized setups and fixtures.  Contact DES today to discuss your electrical connector vibration testing requirements.

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MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility

This is another part of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Shock Section, Method 516.  This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014.  DES has the experience and expertise to run your MIL-STD-810 test.  For more information, please check out our DES shock testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 shock testing blog articles:

Procedure III is used to determine what shock conditions will cause a product to stop operating, degrade or fail.  The shock magnitudes are systematically increased until a problem occurs.  This procedure can be also performed using environmental temperature conditioning.

This article will assume that the fragility shocks expected to be encountered by the product are not complex transients.  Therefore, the trapezoidal classical shock pulse, as defined in Figure 516.7-11 and Table 516.7-V from MIL-STD-810, Method 516 would be used for Fragility testing.

Continue reading MIL-STD 810, Method 516, Shock Testing Procedure III – Fragility

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Extreme Combined Temperature & Vibration Testing

DES successfully completed a challenging combined temperature and vibration test which involved high G levels coupled with extreme temperatures!  The vibration conditions required for this test were 10 to 2000 Hz, 20G maximum sinusoidal acceleration.  These sinusoidal vibration tests were conducted during temperatures of -54°C and 200°C.

Continue reading Extreme Combined Temperature & Vibration Testing

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MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 24 – Minimum Integrity Tests (MIT)

This is part nine article in a series of product reliability testing blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Vibration Section. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to help you determine what profiles are appropriate for your product and to run your MIL-STD-810 vibration test. For more information, please check out our Vibration Testing Services page and our other MIL-STD-810 vibration testing blog articles.

Vibration Testing Articles

MIL-STD-810 Vibration Testing Overview

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 4 – Truck/Trailer – Secured Cargo

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 9 – Aircraft – Helicopter

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 7 – Aircraft – Jet

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 8 – Aircraft – Propeller

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 12 – Fixed Wing Jet Aircraft

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 15 – Aircraft Stores

MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 20 – Ground Vehicles – Ground Mobile

Continue reading MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 24 – Minimum Integrity Tests (MIT)

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MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 20 – Ground Vehicles – Ground Mobile

This is part eight of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Vibration Section. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to help you determine what profiles are appropriate for your product and to run your MIL-STD-810 vibration test. For more information, please check out our Vibration Testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 vibration testing blog articles:

Continue reading MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 20 – Ground Vehicles – Ground Mobile

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MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 15 – Aircraft Stores

This is part seven of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Vibration Section. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to help you determine what profiles are appropriate for your product and to run your MIL-STD-810 vibration test. For more information, please check out our Vibration Testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 vibration testing blog articles:

Continue reading MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 15 – Aircraft Stores

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MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 12 – Fixed Wing Jet Aircraft

This is part five of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Vibration Section. This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014. DES has the experience and expertise to help you determine what profiles are appropriate for your product and to run your MIL-STD-810 vibration test. For more information, please check out our Vibration Testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 vibration testing blog articles:

Continue reading MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 12 – Fixed Wing Jet Aircraft

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MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 8 – Aircraft – Propeller

This is part four of a series of blog posts concerning the MIL-STD 810 Vibration Section.  This blog was written with reference to MIL-STD-810G w/Change 1 dated 15 April 2014.  DES has the experience and expertise to help you determine what profiles are appropriate for your product and to run your MIL-STD-810 vibration test.  For more information, please check out our Vibration Testing services page and our other MIL-STD-810 vibration testing blog articles:

Continue reading MIL-STD-810: Vibration Testing Category 8 – Aircraft – Propeller

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