VIBRAFUGE---Combined vibration and centrifuge testing

The combined dynamic environments of vibration and linear acceleration are experienced by a large number of devices. Testing such devices has normally been a two step process in which independent vibration and centrifuge tests were performed. Concerns have existed for some time with possible combined effects from these two dynamic environments which could cause failures in the field which were not predicted form either analysis or the independent tests. This paper describes the design and performance of a testing facility which combines vibration and centrifuge testing in an single operation. The test facility is called the VIBRAFUGE and utilizes Sandia's 29 foot underground centrifuge with an attached electrodynamic shaker. 3 refs., 8 figs.