CSA provides shock testing services with a tester that is ideally suited for quick turn around while minimizing over-testing. Most common test articles are spacecraft components and avionics. SRS levels can usually be replicated within a short lead time, and levels in excess of 10,000 Gs are generally easy to obtain on test articles weighing less than 40 lbm. The system’s repeatability and tuning ability for Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) levels minimize excess loads to the unit, even when multiple shocks are required. Figure 1 shows overlays of SRS accelerations from sequential gun firings on the same test article. The system provides a shaped shock level that is a cost effective alternative to pyrotechnic and other methods.

The test system is shown in Figure 2. A pneumatic-powered gun and controller initiate the shock and control its level.

CSA provides end-to-end shock testing services complete with NIST traceable calibrated instrumentation and data reporting. Preparations for the test day require only a contract, advance schedule planning, and the following technical information:

1. Mounting pattern for test article.

2. Dimensions and approximate weight of test article.

3. SRS levels needed in each direction to test.

The shock test system is also used for a variety of other tasks including shock transmission testing on isolators and even damping material research. CSA regularly tests shock isolators to both prove their durability and demonstrate isolation performance at high levels. One research application has been to examine the stress and strain behavior of structural or damping materials at high strain.

Figure 1 - Overlay of SRS Acceleration from sequential impacts	Figure 2 - Shock test system with a typical text article