Acceleration MIL-STD-810 Method 513 is a test method used to evaluate equipment’s ability to withstand steady state inertia loads and ensure that the test item does not create a hazard after being subjected to crash inertia loads. This testing is intended primarily for equipment that will be installed on aircraft, helicopters, aerospace vehicles, aircraft stores, and ground-launched missiles. Acceleration should not be mistaken for shock which excites a dynamic resonant response as opposed to a steady inertial stress.
Procedures for Acceleration
Four test procedures are available for acceleration testing:
- Procedure I – Structural Test; ensures that equipment can structurally withstand in service acceleration loads.
- Procedure II – Operational Test; Is used to evaluate equipment’s ability to operate while being subjected to acceleration g forces expected in its service environment.
- Procedure III – Crash Hazard Acceleration Test; is used to ensure that restraining mechanisms such as fasteners do not fail in a crash scenario, creating a hazard to personnel or blocking paths of ingress and egress.
- Procedure IV – Strength Test; added in revision H, uses sine burst testing on a vibration table to expose the test item to quasi-static loads.
Selection of tests to be performed should be based on requirements and criteria derived from the Life Cycle Environmental Profile (LCEP). This testing should be conducted after environmental transportation and storage methods towards the end of the test sequence.
Test Levels
System specific g levels for various platforms are provided in the standard. These designate values for fore, aft, up, down, and lateral axes. While these values are representative of forces expected in vehicle types, measured data should be used when available.
Levels for fighter and attack aircraft include provisions for materiel that is intended for locations away from the aircraft’s center of gravity. Formulae are provided for calculating the additional loads experienced in roll, pitch and yaw maneuvers in various directions.
Test Apparatus for Performing Acceleration Testing
Acceleration testing can be performed using different types of test equipment. For most applications, centrifuge testing is performed due to scheduling and budget considerations. However, when required, Track/rocket powered sled testing can be performed. Due to vibration caused by the rocket engine and track roughness, sled testing is generally more severe than that expected in general service life of the test item.
Additionally, sine burst testing is used for Procedure IV. This testing, although limited in its level of evaluation, offers an economical alternative for verification testing performed early in development because vibration tables are generally more available and testing on them requires less set up time.
Detailed Environmental Test Plan Templates
CVG Strategy offers EZ-Test Plan Templates for MIL-STD environmental (climatic/dynamic) and EMI/EMC testing documentation. Our Detailed Environmental Test Plans (DETP)s are written as specified in MIL-STD-810 Task 405. They are available for specific applications such as Ground Mobile, Ground Stationary, and Shipboard Controlled, Shipboard Uncontrolled, and Aircraft Military.
These DETPs include appropriate test methods, (such as Acceleration Mil-Std-810 method 513) addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets for collection of required data. Profile (LCEP).
Our Electromagnetic Interference Test Plans are written as specified by the Department of Defense. They contain the test methodology, addendums for product specific information, test labels for photo identification and data sheets. These plans are available for procedures listed in MIL-STD-461 and are also available for MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, and MIL-STD-1399-300 testing standards.
Custom Test Plans are also available for applications not covered in the EZ-Test Plan offerings. These plans can be written for any number of applications and their relevant standards.
MIL-STD-810 Training Classes
CVG Strategy MIL-STD-810 classes will provide you with the ability to develop and conduct an environmental test program. Our two day course not only provides you with valuable information about climatic and dynamic test methods but also includes training in the methodology to correctly apply test tailoring.
This course is available online or onsite. Ample time is available for questions and comments so that participants are encouraged to keep engaged. Check here for our online Training Registration Schedule.
Put CVG Strategy’s Experience to Work for You
Companies of all sizes, from start up to established product developers, face challenges in product test and evaluation. This can particularly be the case when a product is developed for a new market sector or expanding sales internationally.
Properly tested products prevent costly product recalls, product redesign, and product liability. They maintain customer satisfaction and keep your company’s reputation in good standing. Contact CVG Strategy to see how our testing services can assist your engineering team with MIL-STD-810 acceleration testing or any other product test and evaluation concern.