Multi-Axis Vibration testing has been utilized by various industries as a valuable tool for evaluating a wide range of components and sub-systems for many years. In the automotive industry, this capability is part of most validation programs for interior and exterior components, including seats, instrument panels, large batteries, front-end modules, etc. Many of the commonly used procedures combine the six-axis durability cycling with extreme temperature conditioning. The combination of vibration and harsh temperatures provides a real-world environment to evaluate the durability of the units under test (UUT).

For a vehicle, the range of conditions that will be encountered during normal use are substantial. These conditions include:

For a test laboratory, the challenge is to simulate a lifetime of vibration exposure at harsh environmental conditions.

The approach commonly used is to integrate a 6 Degree-of-freedom MAST with a large temperature chamber. The system is designed to isolate important components of the table from exposure to such temperatures. Large insulated, flexible covers are used to isolate the environmental condition to the tabletop containing the UUT. The vibration profiles are synchronized with the temperature/humidity profiles to simulate a lifetime or more of vibration/temperature exposure.

MGA’s network of labs includes 18 MAST systems, many of which are temperature conditioning capable. The size of the systems consists of both 5’ x 7’ and 6’ x 8’ tables. These systems allow the flexibility to include portions of the Body-in-White (BIW) or full subassemblies during testing, resulting in more representative data and a closer simulation of real vehicle mounting conditions. Our teams are also capable of larger set-ups that would require multiple systems to be synchronized to a single profile, thus accommodating larger samples such as exhaust systems.

In addition to having most of our MASTs capable of extreme temperature conditioning, our teams are able to further enhance the temperature exposure through environment and surface temperatures utilizing sun-load controllers integrated into many of these systems. For example, an instrument panel can be soaked at an environmental temperature of 80C, with a surface temperature set to 110C while undergoing a specific road-induced vibration profile. This enhancement allows us to create a more controlled and realistic environment by simulating the effects of direct sunlight on test samples, helping evaluate thermal performance and material behavior under sunlight.

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The MGA Advantage

• Being the manufacturer of our own equipment allows us to provide customer solutions when needed
• Our team conducts detailed documentation throughout all test series, including intermittent video recordings and detailed photographs
• Ability to record data for over 100 channels, including accelerometers, load cells, string pots, other linear transducers, strain gauges, pressure transducers, etc.
• Component experience with seating, cockpits, roof systems, exhaust components, exterior components, and full frame/vehicles

Our extensive experience with MAST testing has been an integral part of our customer’s success for the past 20 years. With high-quality services and comprehensive solutions, our team is well-equipped to meet industry demands through an array of capabilities. For more information on our MAST testing services, please visit https://www.mgaresearch.com/capabilities/hydraulic-durability-chassis-testing. Ready to test? Contact us here.

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