IEC 60068-2-6 Vibration (sinusoidal)

IEC 60068-2-6 is an International Standard for sinusoidal vibration testing. IEC 60068-2-6 vibration testing is used to evaluate the ability of components, equipment or other articles to withstand sinusoidal vibration during transportation or mounted in its service condition. The IEC 60068-2-6 vibration test method tests the endurance of a specimen to harmonic forces that are seen in all forms of transportation, such as in planes, helicopters, ships, trains, and spacecraft, machinery, such as when mounted in or near motors, equipment, such as computers and air conditioners, and seismic events.

IEC 60068-2-6 contains two different types of testing:

Endurance by sweeping
Endurance at fixed frequencies

By following the procedures defined in IEC 60068-2-6, manufacturers can gain valuable insights into the durability of their devices in conditions where they are exposed to constant vibrational forces. This knowledge enables them to optimize designs and select appropriate materials necessary to enhance the reliability and longevity of their products.

Endurance By Sweeping

Swept sinusoidal vibration testing is done by performing vibration testing from a low frequency to a high frequency, or from a high frequency to a low frequency, then back again at a defined rate. As an example, the test can start at 10 Hz, sweep to 500 Hz, then sweep back to 10 Hz at a rate of one octave/minute. The amplitude of the vibration can be a displacement, an acceleration, or both where the displacement, which is run at lower frequencies, becomes an acceleration at what is called the cross-over frequency, which is the frequency at which the force of the displacement equals the force of the acceleration. The amplitude is discrete at each frequency.

Prior to the test, the item to be tested is visually inspected and/or functionally tested. The test item is attached to a vibration shaker. The sinusoidal vibration is swept between the range of frequencies for a defined number of cycles or time. After the test, the item tested is visually inspected and/or functionally tested verify its durability.

Endurance At Fixed Frequencies

This type of testing is typically performed for items that are mounted in an environment that experiences periodic vibration, such as in planes, helicopters, ships, and other rotating machinery. There are two different types of endurance at fixed frequency testing:

Endurance at critical frequencies

Endurance at critical frequencies starts by performing a response investigation. A response accelerometer is attached to the specimen, and one sweep cycle is performed at a lower amplitude than what would be performed during endurance by sweeping. After the cycle, the output from the response accelerometer is examined to determine if there were any resonant frequencies. A critical resonant frequency is the frequency at which the amplitude of the response signal is greater than twice the amplitude of the input signal. Once the critical resonant frequencies have been selected, a dwell is performed at each critical resonant frequency. This dwell can be for a defined length of time or a defined number of cycles. After a dwell has been performed at all the critical frequencies, another sweep cycle is typically performed to see if the resonant frequencies changed. A change in resonant frequencies is an indicator that there was a change in the structural integrity of the test specimen.

Endurance at predetermined frequencies

There are times that the frequencies of interest are already known, possibly from previous testing or examination of the vibrations seen where the specimen will be used. The relevant specification for the specimen will list these frequencies along with the dwell times or cycles required.

When it comes to IEC 60068-2-6 vibration testing, DES stands out as a reliable partner. Here are some key reasons:

DES has extensive experience running IEC 60068-2-6 Vibration Tests
Our lab is A2LA accredited for IEC 60068-2-6 vibration testing, ensuring high-quality results
DES can guide you through the standard
We provide an accurate and timely reports
DES can design and fabricate your vibration test fixtures tailored to your specific needs
DES is trusted by many manufacturers to perform their vibration testing
DES has a temperature & humidity controlled lab that includes multiple vibration shakers