Smithers understands the critical factors in successfully simulating real-life conditions to avoid overlooking field damage or provoking false negatives during testing. Our extensive knowledge on appropriately managing vibration test conditions allows us to reproduce damage where it is likely to occur in real life, but without introducing unrealistic damage mechanisms.
Test equipment capabilities
Our vibration testing equipment includes Servo-hydraulic and Electromagnetic shaker systems (both vertical and horizontal systems) spanning 0.5 to 2000 Hz capable of delivering up to 10G sine and up to 5 Grms random. Our test methods include:
- Broadband random
- Mixed mode
- Modulated
- SRS
- Time replication
- Vibration response monitoring with data capture systems (up to 24 channels).
Advanced vibration testing techniques
While current packaged product distribution testing is based on well-established methods, Smithers believes that high level participation in advanced and developing methodologies is integral to delivering value to clients. It is through understanding of the benefits and limitations of established methods and the ability to offer custom evaluation techniques that Smithers is able to deliver effective testing solutions.Advancements in research
Smithers is proud to be a proactive and independent member of the research and development community for advancements in vibration testing technologies.Industry involvement
- Actively participates in the International Association of Packaging Research Institute (IAPRI) vibration research working group and is founding member of IAPRI
- Actively participates in ISTA Field Data Workshops and Distribution Packaging events.
Expertise contributions
- Undertakes and publishes work on topics in the field of random vibration testing and test acceleration.
Supporting education
- Sponsors Bath University (UK) PhD student in Vibration and Shock Field Data Measurement
- Offers undergraduate internship opportunities undertaking in-house testing projects.
The history of vibration testing at Smithers
Smithers started leveraging sine sweep, resonance frequency searches and dwell testing methods over 30 years ago. During the 1990s Smithers advanced in to broadband random Power Spectral Density (PSD) vibration testing in order to better simulate the real life environment. Since the 1990s Smithers has continued to invest in state of the art vibration controllers, with programmable spectrum capability and programmable shock testing capability in both vertical and horizontal axes. The latest controller in Smithers' UK laboratory purchased in 2009 is enabled with time replication and mixed mode capability, and a facility to modulate overall Grms throughout the test sequence (in order to reproduce the non-continuous nature of true real life vibration).
