Vibration testing is a subject which on first inspection may seem simple and
straightforward. However, you will find that the subject is vast; requiring many
skills and experience. This page hopes to provide you with a general
understanding of the subject and give you an awareness of some of the pitfalls
you may encounter.

To perform a vibration test you require three main items:

1) The vibration test system.

2) The vibration test specification.

3) The item to be tested.

1) The vibration test system.

As with any test equipment, the vibration test system with which you are provided
has operational limitations; for example, a maximum rated travel. This is only one
of many limitations that must be considered before performing any test. If the
operational limitations of the vibration system are exceeded, a shorter system life
can be expected. In simple terms, it's just like a car, the harder you drive it the
more maintenance it will require. It is therefore essential that you know and
understand the limitations of your system.

2) The vibration test specification.

There are probably thousands of vibration test specifications. However, the
question should always be asked: Is this the correct test for the product and will it
test the product satisfactorily? All tests should be questioned, as there is a high
probability that it may over-test or under-test the product in question.

3) The item to be tested.

The test item must be fixed to the vibration table. This is done using a fixture
(jig). The fixture must transfer the vibration from the table to the test item without
adversely influencing the test. Although this may seem simple, it is not. Time
and consideration must be given to the fixture design.

The vibration that is transferred to the test item must be measured and controlled.
The measurement is usually done using one or more accelerometers, but where
and how the accelerometers are placed is critical and must form part of a control
strategy.