New Pyroshock System Capable of Handling 250kg Components: Now Available in Mississauga

MGA is proud to announce the introduction of a large mass pyroshock system at our Mississauga, Ontario facility. This addition is a key component of the ongoing lab expansion, specifically within the new test area dedicated solely for space and defense testing. The Canadian aerospace and space sectors continue to grow, as pointed out in the most recent State of the Canadian Space Sector Report (csa.gc.ca, Section 3 Revenues Impact). Thus, MGA is committed to providing the necessary equipment and resources to support the increased demand for specialized testing. This new system not only increases the lab’s throughput for pyroshock testing, but also allows for larger and more complex samples to be tested. In this second installment of the Inside MGA Canada series, we will be exploring why this pyroshock system was brought online in Mississauga, and the potential testing capabilities that are now unlocked.

Introduction of MGA Mississauga’s Space Lab

As discussed during our previous Inside MGA Canada article, we are embarking on a comprehensive plan to expand our capabilities in the Mississauga facility by implementing new test equipment and dedicated test spaces for industry-specific testing. To support this plan, MGA has created an area solely devoted to testing space and defense components. In conjunction with the existing mobile pyroshock system, the new large mass pyroshock table makes up MGA Canada’s “Space Lab”. This space provides a secure and confidential work area, critical for the nature of products tested within the space industry. By providing a private expanse, our customers can perform testing for sensitive projects in a protected and efficient manner.

Pyroshock System Overview

Pyroshock testing is an essential step in the development and qualification programs for space and defense components. Sometimes referred to as pyrotechnic shock, these tests replicate the forces commonly found in events experienced by spacecraft and defense systems, such as ignition, launch, and separation. MGA’s pyroshock systems are tunable resonant beam style Mechanical Impulse Pyrotechnic Simulator (MIPS) tables, allowing for these events to be replicated in a repeatable manner, without the need for dangerous ordinance devices.

Although the Mississauga facility already featured one of MGA’s mobile pyroshock tables, the decision was made to bring a large mass table online as a complimentary piece of equipment. Having both systems onsite allow for multiple test programs to run simultaneously, while also expanding the overall scope of test programs MGA can support.

Differences Between Mobile and Large Mass Pyroshock Tables

Like the mobile pyroshock table already found in the Mississauga facility, the large mass pyroshock system offers a platform for achieving pyroshock simulations with a high degree of tunability and consistency. A wide range of SRS profiles can be matched, allowing for a variety of tests to be performed. As the name would suggest, the key difference between the mobile and large mass tables is the size. Not only does the large mass table have a larger footprint, thus making it able to accommodate bigger test articles, the system also has greater tunability. For example, the greater adjustment range of the table’s beam clamps allows us to manipulate the slope of the SRS curve to a greater extent, giving our engineers the tools necessary to match a customer’s target SRS profile.The table below outlines some of the key advantages of the large mass pyroshock table:

Moving Forward

The introduction of a large mass pyroshock table at MGA’s Mississauga, Ontario facility is an important step in our path to implement advancements throughout the lab. This system, along with the new Space Lab, is another example of MGA’s continued commitment to investing in the needs of our customers and ensuring we are supporting the industry in the best possible way. Stay tuned for our next installment of the Inside MGA Canada as we continue to explore the advancements of our Mississauga facility. 

Ready to test with MGA? Contact us today at www.mgaresearch.com/contact. 

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