Element operates dynamics testing facilities to measure and evaluate the responses of parts or systems to the dynamic forces they encounter.
We perform vibration, acceleration and shock dynamic testing to military, aerospace, medical, automotive, and commercial specifications. This testing can be performed individually or in combination with temperature cycling, pressure and hydraulic/pneumatic flow. Our dynamics testing services include:
Vibration testing capabilities
Element has virtually total vibration testing capability. Our multi-shaker facilities are comprised of both electrodynamic and hydrodynamic systems. Element's 40,000 force-pound electrodynamic shaker system includes an Unholtz Dickie T-4000 shaker combined with a 60-inch by 60-inch bearing slip table mounted on an integrated unibase.
Among Element's resources is a 48-inch Magnesium Head Expander to accommodate larger test items in the vertical axis. This equipment, combined with our 20-foot overhead clearance, allows the testing of large/tall items with high overturning movements. Element EWT recently acquired an m+p international 64-channel, digital dynamics control system for our electrodynamic and hydrodynamic shakers.
Meeting military (MIL-SPEC) requirements
All Element dynamics testing facilities help companies meet the latest Mil-Spec requirements, including:
- Narrow Band Random on Random
- Swept Sine Superimposed on Random
- Gunfire Simulation
- Helicopter Rotor Frequency Simulation
- Tracked Vehicle Simulation
Element facilities also offer:
- Seismic Simulation
- Windmilling Vibration Testing (low frequency, high amplitude)
- Multi-channel digital control systems for our electrodynamic and hydrodynamic shakers
Acceleration Testing
Element labs operate centrifuges of various sizes and load capacities with arm lengths ranging up to 30 feet. These facilities’ centrifuges are complemented by full instrumentation and power slip rings with video capability available.
Shock Testing
Drop machines, pulse synthesis tables, and other impact equipment available at Element labs readily accommodate test specimens of various sizes, applying half sine, sawtooth, and square wave forces up to 50,000 g's with durations ranging from 1 to several hundred milliseconds. Element experts conduct shock testing on our U. S. Navy-approved, MIL-S-901D, lightweight, hammer shock machines in accordance with MIL-STD-810F or individual customer requirements.
Drop testing tower and other capabilities
Element labs also feature a 40-foot drop tower.
Field Data Acquisition
The experts at Element can provide field data acquisition of dynamic effects (stress, strain, acceleration, angular motion, dynamic imbalance), and/or environmental effects (temperature, humidity, rain, corrosive exposure). This acquired data can then be analyzed and reproduced with or without accelerated life margins factored.
Structural Testing and Fatigue Testing
Element has many different load frames and platforms to simulate single axial static, multi axial static or dynamic load conditions.
- Cyclic fatigue tests are digitally controlled in a closed loop servo system for safety and accuracy.
- Load or displacement control is available.
- Displacement, strain, load, and temperature data are stored for client distribution or analyzed on site.
- Real-time or simulated load profiles provided by the client can be played back through the control system as part of the fatigue testing.
Rotating Load Simulations
Element has a variety of fixed and variable speed drive systems:
- Up to 1850 horsepower; up to 22,000 RPM
- Electrical loads: 60 Hz, 400 Hz, 1000 amps
- RPM, torque, voltage, frequency and power factors can be recorded on their high speed data acquisition systems.
- Vibration and displacement can be monitored and safety controlled to protect the item under test.
- Preprogrammed RPM vs. load duty cycles can be accomplished utilizing a closed loop control strategy.
Dynamic testing effects:
- Stress
- Strain
- Acceleration
- Angular motion
- Dynamic imbalance
- Temperature
- Shock
- Humidity
- Rain
- Corrosive atmosphere
- Multi-axial static load testing
- Multi-axial dynamic load testing
- Cyclic fatigue testing
- Windmilling vibration testing