Shock Testing for Dummies!

By Eric Joneson posted Friday, May 17, 2013

Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU-APL) wanted to better understand the effects of vertical impacts produced by explosive blasts, most commonly known these days as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s), on the human body to better protect our soldiers in dangerous combat theaters like Afghanistan. That’s when APL approached Lansmont, having Army Research Laboratory (ARL) as its customer, to design and manufacture a larger, even more powerful Vertical Impact Test System (VITS) than the one previously designed and manufactured for ARL.

Lansmont recently delivered this new VITS to APL who can now simulate vertical blasts to two side-by-side occupants simultaneously. These blasts typically deform the floor of a vehicle first impacting the soldier’s feet, followed by the entire vehicle being driven up, known as global motion, which then has to land, known as slam down. Lansmont’s VITS design simulates all three of these impacts in a controlled sequential process as defined by the operator from measured field conditions. All three shock pulses can be controlled for acceleration, duration, velocity change, and time interval between pulses. This controlled process is Lansmont’s core philosophy, the Field-to-Lab® methodology at its pinnacle!

APL’s work will generate physical test data to more-accurately model and better design Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATD’s), more affectionately known as Crash Dummies. The resulting data will lead to better ATD’s for test and measurement of vertical impacts from IED’s. This will help our soldiers first. Future applications of this technology will enter the larger consumer markets via the automotive industry and aviation, among others. It might even save your life someday or the life of someone you love. Lansmont is proud to be a contributor to a project of this significance that gives back to our society with safer vehicle technology.

Importance of SAVER Mounting

By Bryan Williams posted Friday, May 10, 2013

When using your SAVER Field Instruments, you have to consider the recording setup and the number of trips to collect the data you are interested in analyzing. You can think of this as developing your SAVER game plan. Like any game plan, positive results are best achieved by putting your “players” in a position to be successful. In the case of the SAVERs, putting them in a position to be successful is the result of proper mounting.

Vehicle and structure measurement applications are common. Mounting the SAVER ridgidly using magnetic mounts and other secure methods prevents erroneous data associated with rattling and ringing. Using zip ties or tape to mount a SAVER may seem like a secure interface. Let us assure you, it’s not. If SAVERs are not mounted securely, the rattles and rings can obscure the dynamic data you are trying to collect. It is also important to document the mounting orientation so you can clearly relate the data to the directions events occurred during measurements.

The examples below show the difference between valid data and noisy data from a loose mount.




To make it easier to securely attach SAVERs to vehicles or other structures, Lansmont offers mounting kits for all our SAVER models. The kits include mounting plates and an assortment of attachment hardware. If you're able to attach your SAVER to a ferrous surface, our magnetic mounting kit is the best non-intrusive method of ensuring a rigid installation.

For in-package measurements, the SAVER also needs to be rigidly attached to collect useful data. Just placing a SAVER inside a package will result in erroneous data. The best approach is to mount the SAVER to a fixture inside the package.

If you need assistance with mounting recommendations or fixture design, Lansmont has the expertise to help you design and validate your measurement fixtures. Please contact our Field-to-Lab Products Manager, Patrick Blizinski, if you have any questions about proper mounting techniques.

Unit Load(s) - Drop Test

By Dale Root posted Friday, May 03, 2013

As he uttered those fateful words - "Watch This!" - his co-workers quickly took ten steps back.

Unit Load - Compression Test

By Dale Root posted Friday, April 19, 2013

Compression Testing can be a rather static affair - but a failure in the field will definitely get your attention in a hurry!

Container - Drop Test

By Dale Root posted Friday, April 12, 2013

Cargo Container Handling can be a delicate balancing act – and one thing's for sure - it's a long way down from up there!