Effective Data Validation Methodology for Pyrotechnic Shock Testing

Valid test data from explosively or ordnance-initiated pyrotechnic shock tests are difficult to acquire. Measurement of these frequency-rich acceleration time histories, a prerequisite to calculation of a valid shock response spectrum, drives the measurement system to its performance limits. Successful acquisition of demonstrably valid acceleration time histories requires a series of performance compromises that must be made with a depth of measurements expertise. Such expertise may not be available from vendors of the various data acquisition systems sold for these tests. All measurement system performance characteristics (transducer mount dynamics, gain, frequency response, phase response, linearity, lead wire effects, sampling rate, etc.) require compromise. It takes professional-level knowledge and experience to make the proper compromises to assure data validity for the measured wave shape. These measurements should never be taken for granted, as often and unfortunately happens.Data validation method...