MIL-STD 810 Test Method 516 Shock Testing

The purpose of shock testing is to evaluate if material can physically and functionally withstand shocks. As a MIL-STD-810 certified lab, we realize the importance of MIL-STD shock 810-testing. Meeting the MIL-810 testing requirements can be difficult. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process.

Keystone Compliance creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. When products do not meet the requirements, we assist with finding solutions. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Our accurate test reports are delivered quickly. Keystone provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program.

Request a quote to receive testing services customized to your specific needs. Contact us to receive more information on MIL-STD-810 classical shock testing.

The Importance of MIL-STD 810 Shock Compliance Testing

These shocks may be encountered in handling, transportation and service environments. Another main purpose of performing shock testing is to determine the material’s fragility level. This is so that packaging, stowage, or mounting configurations may be designed to protect the material’s physical and functional integrity.

How Method 516 of MIL-810 Shock Compliance Affects Products

Mechanical shock testing has the potential to produce varying effects on the physical and functional properties of all materials. The damage potential is a function of the amplitude, velocity, and the duration of the shock. The peak responses of material to mechanical shock will be enveloped by a decreasing form of exponential function time.

In general, mechanical shock applied to a complex multi-modal material system will cause the material to respond to forced frequencies and the materials resonant natural frequencies either during or after application of the external excitation environment. Such response may cause:

  • Material failure as a result of increased or decreased friction between parts, or general interference between parts.
  • Changes in the material dielectric strength, loss of insulation resistance, variations in magnetic and electrostatic field strength.
  • Material electric circuit card malfunction, electronic circuit card damage, and electronic connector failure.
  • Permanent mechanical deformation of the material as a result of overstress of material structural and non-structural members.
  • Collapse of mechanical elements of the material as a result of the ultimate strength of the component being exceeded.
  • Quickened fatiguing of materials.
  • Potential piezoelectric activity of materials.
  • Material failure as a result of cracks in fracturing crystals, ceramics, epoxies, or glass envelopes.

Information on the MIL-STD-810 Testing

MIL-STD-810 Shock Test provides eight test procedures. Based on the data requirements, determine which military standard test procedure or combination/sequence of procedures is applicable. In many cases, one or more procedures will apply. Consider all environments for the material’s anticipated life cycle as well as the purpose of the material, natural exposure circumstances and the data required to document the test environment.

Having selected a MIL-STD 810 lab method and relevant procedures, complete the tailoring process by identifying appropriate parameter levels, applicable test conditions, and test techniques for the selected procedures. For temperature-conditioned environmental tests, consider the material degradation due to extreme climatic exposure to ensure the total test program does not exceed the life of the material.

The Differences Between the Eight MIL-STD-810 Standard Procedures

Procedure I – Functional Shock – Procedure I is intended to test material in its functional mode, and to assess the physical integrity, continuity, and functionality of the material to shock. In general, the material is required to function during and after the shock, and to survive without damage resulting from shocks representative of those that may be encountered during operative service.

Procedure II – Transportation shock – This procedure is used to evaluate the response of an item or restraint system to transportation environments that create a repetitive shock load. The shock can be a repetitive event such as amplitude or an irregular event that varies in amplitude and frequency bandwidth.

Procedure III – Fragility – Procedure III is used early in the item life cycle to determine its fragility level, in order that package, stowage, or mounting configurations may be designed to protect the material’s physical and functional integrity.

Procedure IV – Transit Drop – Procedure IV is a physical drop test, and is intended for material either outside of or within its transit or combination case, or as prepared for field use. This procedure is not intended for shocks encountered in a normal logistic environment as experienced by material inside bulk cargo shipping containers.

Procedure V – Crash Hazard Shock Test – This procedure is for material mounted in air or ground vehicles that could break or loose from its mounts, tie downs, or containment configuration during a crash and present a hazard to vehicle occupants and bystanders.

Procedure VI – Bench Handling – Procedure IV is intended for material that may typically experience bench handling, bench maintenance, or packaging. It is used to determine the ability of the material to withstand representative levels of shock encountered during such environments.

Procedure VII – Pendulum Impact – This procedure is intended to test the ability of large shipping containers to resist horizontal impacts, and to determine the ability of the packaging and packing methods to provide protection to the contents when the container is impacted.

Procedure VIII – Catapult Launch/Arrested Landing – The last procedure is intended for material mounted in or on fixed-wing aircraft that is subject to catapult launches and arrested landings. The material may experience a combination of an initial shock followed by a low level transient vibration and having frequency components in the vicinity of the mounting platform.

Keystone Compliance Provides Shock Lab Testing Services

Keystone Compliance has been one of the best MIL-810 Shock Test and military testing labs in the country. We employ expert test engineers and properly equip our laboratory in order to provide shock certifications. Request a quote and learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their MIL-STD 810 compliance testing needs.