As a MIL-STD-810 certified lab, we realize the importance of pyroshock lab testing. Meeting the MIL-810 testing requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.
Keystone Compliance provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions.
Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Have a question about pyroshock compliance testing? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.
The Importance of MIL-STD 810 Pyroshock Compliance Testing
Method 517, pyroshock testing is important to provide a degree of confidence that material can withstand the infrequent shock effects. These may be caused by the detonation of a pyrotechnic device on a structural configuration to which the material is mounted.
Another importance of the MIL-STD-810 pyroshock testing is to experimentally estimate the material’s fragility level. To protect the material’s structural and functional integrity, shock mitigation procedures are employed .
Pyroshock is often referred to as pyrotechnic shock. Pyroshock refers to the localized intense response of material caused by the detonation of a pyrotechnic device. The sources may be described in terms of their spatial distribution.
How MIL-STD 810 Pyroshock Testing Affects Products
After examining the MIL-810 standard notes above, it is important to determine where pyroshock effects are in the material’s life cycle. The MIL-810 pyroshock test has the potential for producing extremely adverse effects on all electronic material.
The level of negative effects generally increases with the level and duration of the pyroshock. It decreases with the distance from the source. Examples of problems associated with pyroshock follow, but the list is not intended to be extensive.
- Material failure as a result of destruction of the structural integrity of micro-electronic chips.
- Material failure as a result of relay chatter.
- Material failure as a result of circuit card malfunction, circuit card damage, and electronic connector failure.
- Material failure as a result of cracks and fracture in crystals, ceramics, epoxies, or glass envelopes.
Information on the Military Standard Testing Conditions
Unless otherwise displayed in the life cycle profile, schedule pyroshock tests late in the MIL-STD 810 lab sequence. Generally, pyroshock tests are independent of the other tests because of their unique nature.
The selection of the MIL-810 test procedure will be dedicated to the actual material configuration. Note any structural disruptions that may increase the effects of the pyroshock on the material. In some cases, the selection of the procedure will be driven by test usefulness.
Note the natural exposure circumstances for pyroshock. Also note the required MIL-STD 810 test data to verify that the material will survive and function as intended.
Procedure I – Near-field with Actual Configuration – Procedure I is intended to test material in its functional mode and actual configuration. It ensures that items can survive and function as required when tested. This is using the actual pyrotechnic test device in its intended installed configuration. It is assumed that the material or a portion of the material resides within the near-field of the pyrotechnic device.
Procedure II – Near-field with Simulated Configuration – Procedure II is intended to test material in its functional mode, but with a simulated structural configuration. It is also used to ensure it can survive and function as required when in its actual material/pyrotechnic device configuration. It is assumed that some part of the material lies within the near-field. On occasion, a special pyrotechnic testing device may be employed for testing the material, e.g., a flat plate to which the material is mounted and the pyrotechnic charge is attached.
Procedure III – Mid-field with a Mechanical Test Device – Pyroshock can be applied using high acceleration amplitude/frequency test input devices. In this procedure, it is assumed that all parts of the material lie in the mid-field of the pyrotechnic device.
Procedure IV – Far-field Using a Mechanical Test Device – As mentioned above, pyroshock can be applied using conventional high amplitude/frequency test input devices. In Procedure IV, it is assumed that all parts of the material lie in the far-field of the pyrotechnic device.
Procedure V – Far-field Using an Electrodynamic Shaker – On occasion, pyroshock response can be replicated using conventional shakers. All parts of the material lie in the far-field of the pyrotechnic device. The material is subject to the structure platform resonant response alone for frequencies less than 3,000 Hz.
Limitations On the MIL-STD-810 Test Standard
Due to the highly specialized nature of pyroshock, note that this 810-test method does not apply to manned space vehicle testing. This method also does not apply to secondary effects. This includes induced blasts, EMI, and thermal effects, and effects of hostile weapon penetration or detonation.
Another limitation is that this method does not apply to special provisions for performing pyroshock tests at high or low temperatures. The effects experienced by fuze systems that are sensitive to shock from pyrotechnic devices. Lastly, the shock effects experienced by material as a result of any mechanical shock/transient vibration, shipboard or EMI shock.
Keystone Compliance Provides Pyroshock Method 517 Testing Services
Keystone Compliance has been one of the best pyroshock and military testing labs in the country. We employ expert test engineers and properly equip our laboratory in order to provide test method 517 pyroshock testing certifications.
Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.
Request a quote and learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their MIL-STD 810 compliance testing needs.