Resonate Testing delivers vibration testing performed to customer-defined profiles and recognised standards including MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, IEC 60068, DEF STAN 00-35, ISTA, ASTM and launch-provider requirements. From our Northern Ireland facility, we support clients across the UK, Ireland and international markets.
Resonate provides vibration testing services for space, aerospace, defence, automotive, energy, electronics and advanced engineering programmes. Our UK and Ireland vibration testing capability supports qualification, validation, troubleshooting and compliance work through engineer-led planning, fixture review, instrumentation support and clear reporting.
Vibration testing subjects hardware to controlled dynamic loads to assess how products, assemblies, and space systems perform under launch, transportation, operational, and service environments.
Shock testing
TVAC testing
Battery Testing
Environmental Testing
Packaging testing
Whether you are checking a design model, preparing for approval, planning acceptance tests or reviewing a field fault, an early engineering review can show the best path through random, sine or combined environmental and vibration testing.
Share your hardware description, vibration profile, standard, fixture assumptions, mass properties, axis requirements, instrumentation needs and programme aims. Resonate Testing can review setup, monitoring and reporting expectations before quotation.
Vibration testing is set by the product, customer need and use case. Programmes may refer to MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068-2-6, IEC 60068-2-64, RTCA DO-160, ISO 16750, ECSS or customer provided files.
The aim is not just to run a shaker. The aim is to make evidence that fits the hardware, the use case and the approval path.
Key items such as frequency range, PSD or sine level, time, axes, limits, notching, abort rules, fixture plan and report needs are reviewed before test start.
Vibration test campaigns are often built from programme needs rather than one fixed method. Standards and guide docs help set profile harshness, control method, monitoring, report shape and the proof needed for approval or acceptance.
Early review of the right standards can cut rework, improve trace and help keep the test evidence in line with what stakeholders expect.
| Standard / Guidance | Primary Focus | Typical Relevance to Testing |
|---|---|---|
| MIL-STD-810 | Environmental engineering and laboratory testing | Military and ruggedized equipment qualification |
| IEC 60068-2-6 | Sinusoidal vibration testing | Evaluation of resistance to vibration under defined conditions |
| IEC 60068-2-64 | Random vibration testing | Assessment of durability under transportation and operational vibration environments |
| RTCA DO-160 | Environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment | Aerospace and avionics qualification |
| ISO 16750 | Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment in road vehicles | Automotive component validation |
| ECSS | Space engineering, environmental verification, and qualification requirements | Space engineering, environmental verification, and qualification requirements Spacecraft and space subsystem development |
Many products are exposed to vibration and environmental stresses simultaneously rather than separately. Combined vibration and environmental testing, often called shake and bake testing, enables engineers to apply controlled vibration alongside temperature or humidity conditions to better represent operating, transportation and mission environments.
This method is commonly used when hardware experiences vibration during temperature extremes, thermal cycling, humidity exposure or extended operation.
Combining conditions within a single programme allows teams to assess structures, electrical performance, materials, connectors and assemblies under more realistic conditions while supporting development, qualification, validation and reliability activities.
Random vibration with temperature exposure
Sine vibration with thermal cycling
Combined vibration and humidity testing
Endurance testing under environmental conditions
Functional operation during vibration and environmental exposure
Integrated environmental, shock and vibration campaigns
Automotive components and electric vehicle batteries and systems are often exposed to simultaneous vibration, temperature variation and environmental stresses throughout transportation and operational service. Combined testing can support the assessment of EV battery systems, battery modules, power electronics, sensors, control units, connectors and vehicle-mounted assemblies under representative operating conditions. Programmes may be aligned to customer requirements or recognised automotive standards such as ISO 16750 where applicable, helping engineering teams evaluate durability, functional performance and environmental robustness before validation, qualification or production release.
Vibration testing is used across many sectors to see how hardware reacts to dynamic loads before use, approval, customer acceptance or service. While the vibration field changes by sector, the goal stays the same: make proof that products can handle the mechanical loads they will see in life.
Satellites, CubeSats, space payloads, launcher hardware, avionics and space systems are often checked against launch-related vibration profiles. Testing helps engineering teams evaluate structural integrity, mounting interfaces, electronics, deployable systems and mission-critical assemblies before progressing through qualification or acceptance activities. Representative standards and guidance may include ECSS-E-ST-10-03 environmental testing requirements, NASA General Environmental Verification Standards (GEVS) and programme-specific launch provider requirements.
Aerospace hardware may be exposed to vibration during flight, ground operations, transportation and service life. Vibration testing supports the assessment of airborne equipment, avionics, brackets, electronics, structural assemblies and customer-specific aerospace programmes where reliability and traceability are important requirements. Representative standards may include RTCA DO-160 environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment, alongside customer and airframe manufacturer specifications. High force and small slip table shakers can be used to provide high acceleration vibration profiles and complex simulations to replicated fan-blade out events, windmilling, gun-fire profiles and many more.
Military and defence systems often operate in demanding environments where vibration, shock and mechanical loading can influence performance. Testing can support ruggedised electronics, vehicle-mounted equipment, communications systems, sensors and defence assemblies evaluated against programme-specific requirements or recognised standards. Commonly referenced standards include MIL-STD-810 environmental engineering considerations and laboratory test methods, as well as defence customer-specific qualification requirements.
Electronic assemblies, control units, power systems, sensors and instrumentation can be vulnerable to connector failures, fatigue, mounting weaknesses and intermittent faults when exposed to vibration. Development and validation testing helps identify potential issues before production, installation or customer release, supporting product reliability and compliance with relevant industry standards such as IEC 60068-2-6, IEC 60068-2-64 and MIL-STD-810 where applicable.
Battery systems, energy storage technologies, power electronics, power generation components and supporting infrastructure may experience vibration during transportation, installation and operational service. Vibration testing enables teams to evaluate durability, mounting strategies, electrical performance and overall robustness, helping to verify suitability for deployment in demanding environments. Testing can be performed in alignment with relevant industry standards and application-specific requirements, including standards such as IEC 60068 for environmental testing, ISO 16750 for electrical and electronic equipment in road vehicles, and other sector-specific vibration and durability standards where applicable.
Automotive components, EV battery systems, electronics, sensors and transportation assemblies are routinely subjected to vibration from road, vehicle and operational environments. Vibration testing is used to assess durability, structural integrity and functional performance throughout development and validation programmes. Testing is typically conducted in accordance with relevant international, industry and customer-specific requirements, including ISO 16750, SAE specifications, UN transportation regulations (UN38.3), and, where applicable, UNECE regulations such as R100 and R136, along with other applicable standards governing electric vehicle and battery system safety, performance and transport.
Medical equipment, diagnostic instruments, patient monitoring systems, laboratory devices and portable healthcare technologies may be subjected to vibration during transportation, storage, handling, installation and operational use. Vibration testing enables engineering teams to evaluate structural integrity, component durability, mounting effectiveness and functional performance under representative conditions, helping to identify potential mechanical weaknesses prior to deployment. Testing can be performed in accordance with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements, including IEC 60068-2-6, IEC 60068-2-64, ASTM D4169 and ISTA transportation test protocols. Where applicable, vibration testing can also support compliance activities associated with IEC 60601 requirements for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment, alongside customer-specific specifications. These assessments support product verification and validation activities, risk reduction, regulatory compliance and overall product quality objectives.
Resonate Testing provides engineer-led vibration testing for space hardware, aerospace systems, defence equipment, electronics, batteries, EV battery packs, automotive components, energy systems and mission-critical assemblies across the UK and Ireland. Programmes can include random vibration, sine vibration, resonance search, dwell testing and qualification support depending on the agreed specification.
We have a range of electrodynamic shakers to suit most applications. Our lineup includes a small 10kN machine right up to a 70kN shaker with large guided head expander and slip-table, and several in-between.
Please note that our capabilities are subject to technical review, equipment availability, fixture suitability, safety assessment, and confirmation of the applicable accredited scope. We encourage you to discuss your specific requirements with us, as we can often identify innovative solutions for tests that may otherwise fall outside our current capabilities.
Successful vibration testing requires more than achieving a target profile. Monitoring and verification may include control accelerometers, response accelerometers, customer telemetry, electrical interfaces, functional checks, pre-test inspection and post-test observations. Profile shape, frequency range, tolerances, notching, abort criteria and mounting conditions should be reviewed before the testing begins.
For high-value, safety-critical and performance-sensitive equipment, fixture and mounting design plays a key role in achieving representative and reliable vibration testing. Interface definitions, mass properties, centre of gravity, orientation, cable routing and instrumentation access should be reviewed early to support safe installation and accurate load transfer. Resonate’s in-house design capability supports the development of vibration fixtures and test setups tailored to specific test requirements.
Effective vibration testing requires more than access to a test facility. Early planning helps identify fixture requirements, axis conventions, instrumentation needs and integration risks before testing starts, supporting efficient execution and dependable test results through a coordinated approach to fixture design, setup and test delivery.
| Specification | Capability |
|---|---|
| 10 kN | Force / displacement: 10 kN sine/random; 20 kN shock; 51 mm Working area: 400 mm vertical; 600 x 600 mm horizontal Typical use: Small assemblies and electronics. |
| 27 kN | Force / displacement: 26.7 kN sine; 25.6 kN random; 53.4 kN shock; 25 mm Working area: 400 mm vertical; 600 x 600 mm horizontal Typical use: Mid-size assemblies. |
| 40 kN | FForce / displacement: 39.2 kN sine/random; 78.4 kN shock; 51 mm Working area: 700 x 700 mm Typical use: Larger Components |
| 54 kN | Force / displacement: 54 kN sine/random; 112 kN shock; 100 mm Working area: 600 x 600 mm; 5 to 2600 Hz Typical use: High force and displacement. |
| 70 kN | Force / displacement: 70 kN sine/random; 140 kN shock; 76 mm Working area: 1000 x 1000 mm; optional 1800 x 1800 mm vertical Typical use: Large EV batteries; up to 2 tonnes subject to configuration. |
Plan: Review the requirement, standards, acceptance criteria, safety considerations and success measures. Confirm the delivery of test specimens, witnessing requirements and test schedule.
Prepare: Confirm fixtures, mounting interfaces, axis definitions, instrumentation, telemetry and functional checks.
Mount and instrument: Install the hardware on the agreed fixture, connect agreed channels and verify the setup before testing.
Set up control: Confirm shaker control, accelerometer locations, limits, notching rules and abort criteria.
Run the profile: Complete the agreed random, sine, resonance search or dwell testing in the required axes.
Functional checks: Power, inspect or operate the hardware at defined points when this is part of the agreed plan.
Review and report: Check achieved conditions, observations, plots, photographs and agreed outputs.
Test specimen information
Dimensions, drawings, centre of gravity and mounting details
Mass, handling restrictions, and fixture or adapter needs
Vibration test standard, profile, and qualification level
Frequency range and test levels
Test axes, durations, and sequence
Instrumentation requirements and functional checks
Safety details for batteries, pressure vessels, hazardous materials, or stored energy components
Fixture constraints, resonance limits, and notching requirements
Reporting requirements
Photos, data outputs, and witness requirements
Random vibration testing is a method where many frequencies are applied simultaneously in a controlled, non-repeating pattern. This approach is designed to simulate the complex and real world vibration environments that products experience in real-world conditions, such as during transport, machinery operation, or aerospace loading.
Sine vibration testing applies a single frequency at a controlled amplitude, typically sweeping through a defined frequency range. This method helps identify how a product responds to predictable, repeating vibration and is especially useful for pinpointing resonant frequencies.
Mixed mode vibration testing combines different vibration types—such as sine-on-random or random-on-random—to more accurately simulate complex real-world environments. This approach is ideal when multiple vibration sources act simultaneously, providing a more realistic assessment of how a product will perform under combined stresses.
Resonance search and dwell is a vibration test method used to identify the natural resonant frequencies of a product or assembly. Once these frequencies are found, the test holds (dwells) the vibration at those points for a set period. This process helps assess the product’s durability, fatigue risk, or functional performance under conditions that could cause resonance.
Natural resonant frequencies are identified by performing a sine vibration test, where a single frequency is swept through a defined range. The product’s response is monitored—typically using accelerometers—to detect frequencies where the response is amplified, indicating resonance. These frequencies are then targeted during the dwell portion of the test.
A fixture is a purpose-designed mechanical structure used to securely mount the test item to the vibration shaker. Its main role is to transfer vibration accurately, hold the item in the correct orientation, and prevent unwanted movement during testing.
Key considerations for fixture design include:
Careful fixture design helps achieve reliable, repeatable, and accurate vibration test results.
Accelerometers are sensors used to measure acceleration during vibration testing. Their main role is to monitor vibration levels, verify that the test profile is being followed, and record how the product responds to vibration. By providing real-time data, accelerometers ensure that the test conditions match the required specifications and help assess the product’s durability and performance.
Notching is a control technique used during vibration testing to reduce vibration input at specific frequencies or measurement points. This approach helps ensure that the test item is not exposed to excessive response levels, allowing the required test to be performed safely without causing unnecessary damage.
Power Spectral Density (PSD) describes how vibration energy is distributed across a frequency range, typically expressed in g²/Hz. PSD is important because it is used to define and control random vibration test profiles, ensuring that the test accurately simulates real-world vibration environments and that energy is applied in a controlled, measurable way.
Random vibration with temperature exposure
Sine vibration with thermal cycling
Combined vibration and humidity testing
Endurance testing under environmental conditions
Functional operation during vibration and environmental exposure
Integrated environmental, shock and vibration campaigns
Automotive components and electric vehicle batteries and systems are often exposed to simultaneous vibration, temperature variation and environmental stresses throughout transportation and operational service. Combined testing can support the assessment of EV battery systems, battery modules, power electronics, sensors, control units, connectors and vehicle-mounted assemblies under representative operating conditions. Programmes may be aligned to customer requirements or recognised automotive standards such as ISO 16750 where applicable, helping engineering teams evaluate durability, functional performance and environmental robustness before validation, qualification or production release.
Outputs are agreed before the test so the evidence matches the programme need. A typical package may include:
Recorded control, response and agreed telemetry data
Plots showing the achieved random or sine profile, axes, durations and response behaviour
Observations from setup, test execution and post-test review
Photographic evidence where agreed
Confirmation of inspections or functional checks completed before, during or after the profile
An agreed test report or data pack aligned to the quotation scope
Book testing for products, components, enclosures, electronics, packaging and industrial equipment. Use the contact route to share the requirement, drawings, specification, test profile, customer standard or failure concern for review.
Whether you’re looking to contact us for the first time or have another testing requirement, we’d love to hear from you.
