Mechanical Shock

At Sandia National Laboratories’ Mechanical Shock Complex, we specialize in providing tailored impact environments, such as shock and crush. We have simulated many dynamic environments, including weapon delivery, severe accident, and pyroshock.

https://youtu.be/P5sATF4iECU?si=QZlq4ZRc96xdX3Lm

20″ Actuator – Impact Testing

https://youtu.be/VQJDmBGv0Iw

20″ Actuator – Shock Test High Speed

https://youtu.be/W8u7Dvqqnyg

6″ Gas Gun – High Velocity

Our primary tools are a pneumatic actuator-and-sled system and a 6-inch bore gas gun. We can test articles up to 10,000 lbs. Depending on the size and weight of the test article, we can apply velocity changes up to 1,140 ft/s, and attain acceleration levels on the order of 50,000 g.

Mech Shock personnel prepare to load a test projectile into the breech of the 6-inch Gas Gun to be fired into a target at 1140 ft/s. — Adam Slavin (left) and Patrick Barnes (right) prepare to load a test projectile into the breech of the 6-inch Gas Gun to be fired into a target at 1140 ft/s

We are an indoor facility that is temperature-controlled and shielded from weather. We can measure unit function, test article kinematics, and material deformation. Our measurement tools range from accelerometers and strain gages to advanced photometrics and high-speed radiography.

Fire Chamber (left, foreground) and barrel of 6-inch Gas Gun (right, background).

Feel free to contact us to discuss the feasibility and details of meeting your impact testing needs.

*Levels in the graphs above will decrease, based on complexity, unit weight, and other variables.

The 20” Actuator is better suited for larger, heavier test articles
The 6” Gas Gun is better for smaller test articles and/or high-impact velocities
Both systems excel in the following fields:
- Component-level to system-level test articles
- Hazardous and/or classified test articles
- Shock, crush, pyroshock, and other impact simulation
Contact us with specific test requirements for more information

Downloadable Poster