On the new American national standard for shock testing equipment

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of a recently published American National Standard [1] to be used for testing equipment that will be subjected to shock. This standard provides shock test parameters for testing a broad range of equipment, which will ensure inherent levels of shock resistance. It defines test requirements and severity thresholds for a large range of shock environments, including but not limited to shipping, transport, and rugged operational environments. The severity thresholds herein can be associated with specific shock environments and should be chosen for a given application on a case-by-case basis. The intent of the standard's requirements is to outline those elements necessary for verification of a successful and accurate shock test, but not the specific test method. This standard will allow vendors to better market, and users to more easily identify, equipment that will operate or simply survive in rugged shock environments. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.