142 Mechanical Shock Techniques

Applications  The effects of shock are important in many engineering applications ranging from appliances to computers to ships to automobiles, trucks and military vehicles to high-performance aircraft and missiles. Shock is often part of the service and/or transportation environment. Military Standards such as MIL-STD-810 call for shock testing.

The possible effect of shock must be considered for almost every product that has to be shipped and handled. Care can be taken in a controlled environment but during the transportation phase the product within its package must be designed and tested to withstand the anticipated environment.

For Whom Intended  Most engineers need specialized education in order to properly measure, quantize and analyze this generally unfamiliar environment, and to reproduce it in environmental test laboratories. This course is for packaging designers, test laboratory managers, engineers and aides. It also helps quality and reliability specialists and acquisition personnel in government and military activities, and their contractors.

Instrumentation specialists who will measure transportation, service and laboratory shock need this course. Metrologists learn about shock calibration of accelerometers and systems. Project personnel, structure and packaging engineers learn about developmental shock testing. Product assurance and acquisition specialists learn to evaluate shock test facilities and methods, and to interpret shock test specifications.

This course is designed to serve the varied needs of scientists, engineers, aides and senior technicians. The instructor maintains good balance between practical training and theory.

Brief Course Description  The course commences with a review of basic dynamic theory and then covers natural frequencies and modes before discussing some essentials of signal processing. The discussion of shock starts with terms and definitions, causes and effects of shock and shock pulse shapes. The Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) is discussed as it relates to shock measurement and testing, as well as design. Shock instrumentation and measurements are covered next, with a brief look at calibration. The relative merits of various types of shakers and shock test machines are briefly considered before covering various shock test methods, including pyrotechnic shock testing. The course then covers hock resistant design is discussed, including the selection and use of isolators.

Package and product fragility analysis are covered next, including the use of the damage boundary plot. Some typical shock test procedures and specifications are described, both military and commercial. Classroom (bring calculators) and nightly review problems measure progress.

Bonus Chapter  Chapter 10 "Typical Shock Test Specifications" is shown in the course outline below, but it is not presented in the classroom, and it is not included in the Complete Video Course. However, it is provided in the course materials for self-study by  interested students, and may be included in on-site presentations at the client's request.

Diploma Programs  This course is required for TTi’s Dynamic Test Specialist (DTS) Diploma. It may be used as an optional course for any of TTi’s Specialist Diploma programs.

Related Courses See course 142-4, Mechanical Shock and Modal Test Techniques.

Prerequisites  Prior participation in TTi’s Fundamentals of Vibration would be helpful. Participants will need first-year college mathematics (or equivalent experience) and some facility with fundamental engineering computations. Some familiarity with electrical and mechanical measurements and vibration will be helpful.

Text  Each student will receive 180 days access to the on-line electronic course workbook. Renewals and printed textbooks are available for an additional fee.

Course Hours, Certificate and CEUs  Class hours/days for on-site courses can vary from 14-35 hours over 2-5 days as requested by our clients. Upon successful course completion, each participant receives a certificate of completion and one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for every ten class hours.

ON-DEMAND  OnDemand Internet Complete Course 142 features thirteen hours of video as well as more in-depth reading material. All chapters of course 142 are also available as OnDemand Internet Short Topics. See the course outline below for details.

Course Outline

Summary

Final Review

Award of certificates for successful completion

Click for a printable course outline (pdf).