Acceleration testing provides engineers with data on the behavior of materials and functioning devices when the test items are subjected to g (gravity) load factors, applied slowly and held steady for extended periods of time. Acceleration testing specifically avoids creating dynamic (resonant) response in materials. Typical test applications include aerospace related hardware, structural materials, hydraulics, and aircraft components (such as landing gear and even as unglamorous items as toilets for aircraft and space vehicles).
Acceleration testing reveals detrimental effects from acceleration loads, including structural deflection that interferes with material operation, leaky seals, binding actuators, broken mounting hardware, cavitating pumps, short circuiting PCBs, changing pressure and flow regulators, erratic sensor and pressure regulator function.
High-level capabilities
NTS offers the most complete acceleration test facilities available: G-tables and centrifuges with diameters ranging from 1 ft (0.3m) to 62 ft (16m), and weight capacities from a few grams to 7,000 lb (3,175 kg). For example, NTS can provide 750g (7,350 m/s2) for a test item weighing up to 250 lb (115 kg). No matter the size of the object you want to subject to acceleration, we can accommodate you.
Large number of data channels
NTS has centrifuges equipped with enclosures to reduce wind loading, as well as those with adjustable boom lengths. Large numbers of acceleration tests requires that test items be operational while under load. Having a large number of control and monitoring channels give the test engineers the ability to hook up strain gauges, accelerometers, and other instrumentation, while providing for electrical and other remote operational instrumentation to power up and manipulate the function of the unit during the test. All our testing equipment features electrical slip rings to accommodate up to 100 data and control channels, with some providing high power connections. NTS can also provide you with swivels to permit pneumatic and hydraulic operation of the test items.
The following are samples of acceleration testing available from NTS:
Acceleration Cycling
Centrifuge - to 50,000g (490,000 m/s2)
Combined - Flow, Vibration, Temperature, Altitude
Multi-Axis Acceleration
Payload Analysis
Thrust Loads in excess of 70,000 lb (31,000 kg).
MIL-STD-202
RTCA DO-160
Contact NTS today to find out how to get your product tested!