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Purpose of Shaker Testing in Aerospace

Shaker testing is extensively used in the aerospace industry to evaluate the durability, reliability, and structural integrity of components, subsystems, and complete systems. Aerospace systems, including aircraft and helicopters, operate in demanding environments, facing vibrations from engines, aerodynamics, and operational forces. Shaker testing ensures that these systems can withstand such conditions without failure.

Ensures compliance with regulations like MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and RTCA standards.

Qualification Testing

  • Aerospace components must meet stringent vibration and shock standards to be certified for flight

Structural Validation

  • Validates designs by comparing test data with theoretical predictions and simulations (for example, finite element analysis)
  • Identifies potential failure modes in critical structures or assemblies

Durability Testing

  • Assesses fatigue life and the ability of materials to endure long-term vibratory stresses

Flight Readiness

  • Ensures that flight-critical systems (for example, avionics, navigation equipment) remain operational under vibration and shock conditions experienced during take-off, flight, and landing

Shock Event Simulation

  • Simulates transient shock events like engine ignition, landing gear deployment, or weapon release

 

At LDS by HBK, we have years of experience in testing for aerospace applications at the largest aerospace organisations.

Applications in the Aerospace Industry

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Engines and Propulsion Systems

  • Jet engines, turbines, and propellers experience constant vibration. Shaker testing ensures components like engine mounts, fuel systems, and cooling systems function under operational conditions

Avionics and Electronics

  • Critical systems like flight control computers, sensors, and communication equipment are tested to withstand vibration caused by engine operation and turbulence

Flight Instruments

  • Cockpit displays, control panels, and navigation systems are tested for vibration durability to maintain safety during operation

Landing Gear

  • Landing gear assemblies undergo vibration and shock testing to simulate take-off and landing forces

 

 

Helicopters are subject to high vibration levels due to rotor dynamics. Testing ensures the reliability of:

  • Rotor assemblies
  • Tail booms
  • Avionics and stabilisation systems

Airframes

  • Aircraft fuselages and wings are subjected to vibration tests to identify resonance frequencies and ensure stability under dynamic loads

Composites and Materials

  • Novel materials used in aircraft (for example, carbon fibre composites) are tested to ensure durability under cyclic loading
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