The, MIL-STD-810F, Method 514.4 - Procedure I (Operational) Categories 6 & 8 define tests for vibration resistance. The intent is to test a product's resistance to being transported manually, or being mounted in a ground vehicle, or even a helicopter. Testing is done on a vibrating plate, to which a product is secured. The product does not need to be operational, but does need to start and operate nornmally once switched on.
Similarly, the Shock/Impact test regime is intended to simulate operational conditions where a product might be dropped. Tests simulate (say) falling from a desktop, a bench or the back of a transport vehicle. Again, the tests do not require that the product be on, only that it function normally after it's started. For example:
Vibration Test:
MIL-STD-810F, Method 514.4 - Procedure I (Operational) Categories 6 & 8
To approximate rigid mounting, units are clamped to an aluminium plate and tested for resistance to vibration as follows:
Ground Vehicle Test:
MIL-STD-810F, Method 514 - Category 8 Procedure VIII
A sine vibration with logarithm sweep from 5-200Hz was conducted. 5-6.25Hz, 1.0 inch (double amplitude), 6.25-200Hz, 2G, 12 minutes per cycle (5-200-5). The test is 5.5 hours along each of three orthogonal axes.
Helicopter Vibration Test:
MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.4 - Category 6 Procedure I
The helicopter vibration test duration is one hour, along each of three orthogonal axes. Units shall exhibit no malfunctions following testing.
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