Pyroshock Testing

The basic principle in pyroshock test design is to match the dominant fixture response frequencies to the shock spectrum knee frequencies where the slopes of desired profiles change.  A complete pyroshock pulse specification analysis, test system modeling, and computer simulation process has been developed by engineers at MGA to determine the approximate configuration for a specific pyroshock test condition. This process decreases the time required for initial test setup and pulse matching by reducing the amount of “trial and error”. Once the test configuration is determined, the result is highly repeatable for conducting multiple tests.  Our development over the years has resulted in two different systems for testing.

Small Article System

VA Pyroshock

This system was designed to perform testing on smaller components up to 60 lbs.  Multiple components are provided to ensure plenty of variables to achieve the required SRS pulse.  The variables and components are as follows:

  • Steel and concrete frame structure provides required reaction mass.
  • System tunable from 10 to 20,000 Hz.
  • Knee frequency variable from 400 Hz to 3,000 Hz.
  • Amplitude of shock responses up to 100,000 g.
  • Data acquisition compliant to MIL-STD-810G,

Method 517.1 and ISO 18431-4.

Large Article System

This system was designed to perform testing on components up to 500 lbs.  While able to perform the same pulses that are done on the smaller system, here are some additional capabilities that are not included with the smaller system:

  • Capable of firing three cannons at the same or staggered time for multiple knee frequencies.
  • Larger resonant beams for larger items (beams up to 24 inches wide)
  • Wider clamp spacing allows for broader frequency range of the SRS knee frequency
Updated Large shock system