Characterization of conservatism in mechanical shock testing of structures
The objective of this research is to characterize field and test environments in a way that will allow quantitative statements to be made about the conservatism of a shock test. Alternative characterizations of shock transients are introduced which compensate for the limitations of absolute acceleration shock spectra in representing shock environments. A method of characterizing both field and laboratory shock environments is developed which can be used for any type of shock characterization to account for the variability in the description of the environments. Conservatism between the field and laboratory shock environments is then quantified in terms of the index of conservatism (IOC). The IOC can be calculated for any response characteristic of interest. This measure of conservatism possesses the attribute of incorporating information on the uncertainty in either of the shock environments. Control of the level of conservatism in a shock test in terms of a given response characterization is shown to be possible through the derivation of test modification factors associated with desired IOC values. These shock data analysis procedures are demonstrated using field and shock laboratory data measured on a simple cantilever beam structure. The development of this new method for defining conservatism in mechanical shock testing provides a capability for controlling the degree of conservatism in shock tests which is not currently available.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5992779
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-82-2186; ON: DE83013524
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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