“Unlike conventional single-axis shakers, the systems provide simultaneous motion in up to five axes,” according to MB’s UK distributor CentraTEQ, which is stocking the testers. “Vertical excitation is combined with pitch and roll rotations, while the special geometry of the shaker table also creates coupled movement in the x and y directions. This allows simulation of uneven road surfaces, flight manoeuvres, drive-train vibrations and superimposed shock loads.”
Four of the company’s Alpha Mk2 drive units activate the corners of the work table for displacements of up to 50mm peak-to-peak and rotation up to 5.7°.
Two models, with peak excitation forces 2.8 or 4kN are available – although the same technology can be extended to 24kN, said CentraTEQ.
- VPR 2825 is the 2.8kN version, occupies 700 x 700 x 746mm and has a 500 x 500mm table.
- VPR 4050 is the 4kN version, occupies 800 x 800 x 846mm and has a 600 x 600mm table – this is the 50mm p-p and 5.7° instrument.
Both can handle payloads up to 300kg, and the smaller one is specified up to 500Hz instead of 250Hz.
“Low operating noise makes the system suitable for buzz, squeak and rattle testing as well as endurance studies,” claimed CentraTEQ.
Potential applications include testing gimbals and image stabilisation systems, up to a whole vehicle driving seat.
Find the shakers on this CentraTEQ web page
