Blog
Designing for Shock & Vibration
It can be vital in many of MARL's markets, particularly Defence and Transport, for lighting and indication to be tested and proven reliable in a range of environmental conditions. This can include rapid changes in temperature, extreme temperatures, changes in pressure, shock and vibration.
Temperature testing includes extended hot or cold periods as well as sudden rapid changes in temperature. We recently covered the 682 Series for example, which was tested for extreme cold.
Pressure testing, similarly, includes extended high and low pressure as well as shocks.
Both tests can be cycled to simulate the life of an item, in particular Diurnal temperature cycling which can simulate days across the worldwide climate.
Image: Setup with items rigidly fixed to hydraulic table
As MARL lighting is LED based, it is all solid-state which makes it very well suited to vibration and other environmental stressors.
The MARL team actively works with the customer, looking at the specific application and its lighting requirements and environmental issues. We may find that previous designs and test results already have the application well covered, or we might include modifications to suit different challenges. From there, we would write a test schedule, hold ongoing discussions with the customer, finalise the design, build prototypes and conduct testing.
Image: Accelerometers rigidly fixed to blocks on the mounting board
Typical specifications currently used are:
- Shock Specs - UK MAP 01-470 Grade Curves, MIL-STD-901
- Vibration Specs - Def Stan 00-35 or MIL-STD-810 & MIL-STD-167
- Shock Testing - Items secured to rigid plates and shock delivered by drop towers (~20,000 m/s²) or shock tables (4-5000 m/s²)
- Vibration Testing - MIL-STD-167 4-33Hz typically utilised for ships
