Designation: D 3580 – 95 (Reapproved 1999)

Standard Test Methods for

Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3580; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 6 for

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of reso- specific precautionary statements.
nances of unpackaged products and components of unpackaged 2. Referenced Documents
products by means of vertical linear motion at the surface on
which the product is mounted for test. Two alternate test 2.1 ASTM Standards:
methods are presented: D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
Test Method A—Resonance Search Using Sinusoidal Vibration, and
ments2
Test Method B—Resonance Search Using Random Vibration. D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
NOTE 1—The two test methods are not necessarily equivalent and may
Package Components for Testing2
not produce the same results. It is possible that tests using random D 4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of
vibration may be more representative of the transport environment and Shipping Containers2
may be conducted more quickly than sine tests. E 122 Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate the
1.2 This information may be used to examine the response Average Quality of a Lot or Process3
of products to vibration for product design purposes, or for the 2.2 Military Standard:
design of a container or interior package that will minimize MIL-STD 810, Method 514 Vibration4
transportation vibration inputs at these critical frequencies, 3. Terminology
when these products resonances are within the expected
transportation environment frequency range. Since vibration 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
damage is most likely to occur at product resonant frequencies, methods, see Terminology D 996.
these resonances may be thought of as potential product 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
fragility points. 3.2.1 decade— the interval of two frequencies having a
1.3 Information obtained from the optional dwell test meth- basic frequency ratio of 10 (1 decade 5 3.322 octaves).
ods may be used to assess the fatigue characteristics of the 3.2.2 decibel (dB)—a logarithmic expression of the relative
resonating components and for product modification. This may values of two quantities. For relative power measurements, the
become necessary if the response of a product would require dB value equals 10 times the base-10 logarithm of the ratio of
design of an impractical or excessively costly shipping con- the two quantities, that is, dB 5 10 log10{P1/P2}.
tainer. 3.2.3 mean-square—the time average of the square of the
1.4 These test methods do not necessarily simulate the function.
vibration effects that the product will encounter in its opera- 3.2.4 octave—the interval of two frequencies having a
tional or in-use environment. Other, more suitable test proce- basic frequency ratio of 2 (1 octave 5 0.301 decade).
dures should be used for this purpose. 3.2.5 overall g rms—the square root of the integral of power
1.5 Test levels given in these test methods represent the spectral density over the total frequency range.
correlation of the best information currently available from 3.2.6 power spectral density (PSD)—a term used to quan-
research investigation and from experience in the use of these tify the intensity of random vibration in terms of mean-square
test methods. If more applicable or accurate data are available, acceleration per unit of frequency. The units are g2/Hz (g2/
they should be substituted. cycles/s). Power spectral density is the limiting mean square
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the value in a given rectangular bandwidth divided by the band-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the width, as the bandwidth approaches zero.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.7 random vibration—oscillatory motion which contains
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- no periodic or quasiperiodic constituent.
3.2.8 random vibration magnitude—the root-mean–square
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 on
2
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.15 on Fragility Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
3
Assessment. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
4
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1995. Published November 1995. Originally Available from Defense Printing Service Detachment Office, Bldg. 4D,
published as D 3580 – 77 T. Last previous edition D 3580 – 90. NPM-DODSSP, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 3580
of the power spectral density value. The instantaneous magni- interface shall not be permitted.
tudes of random vibration are not prescribed for any given 5.3 Instrumentation:
instant in time, but instead are prescribed by a probability 5.3.1 Sensors, signal conditioners, filters, and a data acqui-
distribution function, the integral of which over a given sition apparatus are required to monitor or record, or both, the
magnitude range will give the probable percentage of time that accelerations and frequencies at the test surface of the appara-
the magnitude will fall within that range. tus and at points of interest in the product. The instrumentation
3.2.9 resonance—for a system undergoing forced vibration, system shall have a response accurate to within 65 % over the
the frequency at which any change of the exciting frequency in test range.
the vicinity of the exciting frequency, causes a decrease in the 5.3.1.1 For Test Method A, the frequencies and acceleration
response of the system. amplitudes or transmissibilities may be taken either manually
3.2.10 root-mean-square (rms)—the square root of the or by means of a recording instrument. A stroboscope or video
mean-square value. In the exclusive case of a sine wave, the system may be beneficial for visual examination of the
rms value is 0.707 times the peak. specimen under test.
3.2.11 sinusoidal vibration—periodic motion whose accel- 5.3.1.2 For Test Method B, the data acquisition apparatus
eration versus time waveform has the general shape of a sine shall be capable of recording or indicating the transmissibilities
curve, that is, y 5 sine x. between points of interest in the product to the test surface,
3.2.12 sinusoidal vibration amplitude—the maximum over the frequency bandwidth specified in 10.5.
value of a sinusoidal quantity. By convention, acceleration is
6. Hazards
typically specified in terms of zero-to-peak amplitude, while
displacement is specified in terms of peak-to-peak amplitude. 6.1 Precaution—These test methods may produce severe
3.2.13 transmissibility—the ratio of the measured accelera- mechanical response in the product being tested. Therefore, the
tion amplitude at a point of interest in the product to the means used to fasten the product to the test surface must be of
measured input acceleration amplitude of the test surface of the sufficient strength to keep it adequately secured. Operating
apparatus. personnel shall remain alert to potential hazards and take
3.2.14 vertical linear motion—motion occurring essentially necessary precautions for their safety. Stop the test method
along a straight vertical line, with no significant horizontal or immediately if a dangerous condition should develop.
off-axis components. 7. Sampling
4. Significance and Use 7.1 Test specimens and number of samples shall be chosen
4.1 Products are exposed to complex dynamic stresses in the to permit an adequate determination of representative perfor-
transportation environment. The determination of the resonant mance. Whenever sufficient products are available, five or
frequencies of the product may aid the packaging designer in more replicate samples should be tested to improve the
determining the proper packaging system to provide adequate statistical reliability of the data obtained (see Practice E 122).
protection for the product, as well as providing an understand- 8. Test Specimens
ing of the complex interactions between the components of the 8.1 The product as intended for packaging shall constitute
product as they relate to expected transportation vibration the test specimen. Sensor(s) may be applied as appropriate to
inputs. measure data points of interest with the minimum possible
5. Apparatus alteration of the test specimen. In particular, sensors shall be
lightweight and have flexible cables to prevent changing either
5.1 Vibration Test Machine—The machine shall consist of a
the effective weight or stiffness of the components to which
flat horizontal test surface of sufficient strength and rigidity
they are mounted, thereby changing the resonant frequencies of
such that the applied vibrations are essentially uniform over the
the components. Parts and surfaces of the specimen may be
entire test surface when loaded with the test specimen. The test
marked for identification and reference. When necessary to
surface shall be driven to move only in vertical linear motion
observe interior components of the product during tests, holes
throughout the desired range of amplitudes and frequencies.
may be cut in noncritical areas or noncritical panels may be
5.1.1 Sinusoidal Control—The frequency and amplitude of
removed.
the motion shall be variable, under control, to cover the range
specified in 10.4. 9. Conditioning
5.1.2 Random Control—The frequency and amplitudes of 9.1 Condition test specimens before test and maintain in
motion shall be continuously variable, under control, to accordance with any requirements. In the absence of other
achieve the bandwidths, amplitudes, and overall g rms values requirements, conditioning in accordance with Practice D 4332
specified in 10.5. is recommended with a standard conditioning atmosphere of 23
5.2 Specimen-Mounting Devices—Devices of sufficient 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 2 % relative humidity.
strength and rigidity are required to attach the product securely
to the test surface. The mounting devices shall not have 10. Procedure
significant resonances in the test frequency range. They shall 10.1 Perform the tests in the conditioned environment or
rigidly mount the product in a manner similar to the way in immediately upon removal from that environment.
which it will be supported in its shipping container. Relative 10.2 Attach the test specimen to the test surface, near the
motion between the test surface and the specimen mounting center of the apparatus in a manner that will prevent the

2
 D 3580
specimen from leaving or moving across the test surface during or greater may be considered significant. For sine testing, the
vibration. Caution is necessary to avoid excessive pressure or frequency sweep may be interrupted or reversed if necessary
mounting methods that could influence the characteristics of for short time periods to identify properly a resonating com-
the product. ponent.
10.3 Test intensities shall be sufficient to vibrate the product 10.8 Record the frequencies of any resonances and identify
at acceleration and frequency levels that determine if product the product components that are resonating. For sine testing, if
resonances exist in the expected transportation environment. different frequencies are recorded for each resonating compo-
Experience has shown that most individual transportation nent on the upsweep as compared to the downsweep (a typical
environments contain frequencies ranging from 3 to 100 Hz. situation), record both frequencies and the corresponding
Acceleration levels sufficient to excite resonance normally sweep direction.
range from 0.25 to 0.5 g. 10.9 Test the product in each of the potential shipping
10.4 Sinusoidal Vibration—Test Method A: orientations of concern.
10.4.1 Sweep the frequency range from 3 to 100 Hz and 10.10 Optional Sinusoidal Dwell Test— Perform a sinusoi-
return using automatic or manual sweep, while maintaining a dal dwell test at each resonant frequency found in 10.8, if it is
nearly constant acceleration level. determined to be within the expected transportation environ-
10.4.2 Select an acceleration level between 0.25 and 0.5 g ment, to examine the fatigue characteristics of the resonating
(zero to peak). Starting at 3 Hz, vary the frequency of vibration components. Dwell time, acceleration level, and damage cri-
at a continuous logarithmic rate of 0.5 to 1 octave/min to 100 teria are to be specified by the user. Adjust the frequency of the
Hz and back to 3 Hz. Record any resonant responses of the vibration as necessary to maintain resonance.
product, repeat the cycle if necessary.
NOTE 4—If no dwell time is specified, a time of 15 min at each resonant
NOTE 2—For some specific product/environmental combinations, frequency is recommended.
higher frequencies may be required to produce product resonances. For an
example, see MIL-STD 810. 10.11 Optional Random Vibration Test— Perform a random
vibration test to examine the fatigue characteristics of the
10.5 Random Vibration—Test Method B: resonating components and the interactions between them. Test
10.5.1 Start the vibration system such that the PSD levels do duration, random spectrum, and damage criteria are to be
not overshoot the desired spectrum during startup. It is recom- specified by the user. For spectrum examples, see 10.5.2.
mended that tests be initiated at least 6 dB below full level and
incremented in one or more subsequent steps to full test level. NOTE 5—If no test duration is specified, a time of 30 min is recom-
Operate at full test level for a time duration long enough for the mended.
control system to stabilize and for the data to be averaged
11. Report
sufficiently to represent stable spectrum shapes and levels,
usually 3 min or more. This time is dependent upon the 11.1 Report the following information:
characteristics of the vibration test machine and control sys- 11.1.1 Description of the test product in sufficient detail for
tem, the setup, and the weight and characteristics of the test proper identification.
specimen. 11.1.2 Identification of the purpose of the test.
10.5.2 Use one of the spectra from Test Method D 4728, a 11.1.3 A statement of whether sine testing or random
spectrum representative of the expected transportation environ- testing, or both, were performed.
ment, a flat broadband spectrum, or a spectrum known to be 11.1.3.1 For sine tests, descriptions of the test sequence, the
appropriate. It is recommended that the minimum frequency input acceleration level, frequency range swept, and sweep
range be from 3 to 100 Hz, the overall amplitude of the rate.
spectrum be not less than 0.25 g rms, and that the maximum 11.1.3.2 For random tests, descriptions of the test sequence,
variation in power spectral density over the total frequency the input spectrum shape, levels, frequencies, and the test
range be 30 db or less. Record any resonant responses of the duration.
product. 11.1.4 Descriptions of any deviations from the specified test
NOTE 3—Spectrum shapes and levels may be important, due to product
method.
responses which are nonlinear with variations in amplitude. For some 11.1.5 A statement of the number of test replications, if any.
specific product/environmental combinations, higher frequencies or 11.1.6 Identification of apparatus and instrumentation used,
higher-amplitude spectra may be required to produce observable product including dates of last instrument calibrations, names of
resonances. For an example, see MIL-STD 810. manufacturers, and model numbers. Details of any modifica-
10.6 Monitor the amplitude and frequency data sensed on tions, if known, shall be included.
the test surface to ensure that the desired test conditions are 11.1.7 Method of conditioning.
produced. Mount the accelerometer to either the top or bottom 11.1.8 Results of any prior tests.
of the test surface, as close to the test item as possible, or in a 11.1.9 Components that displayed resonant vibration and
location which produces data representative of table motion. their corresponding frequencies. Any other significant data,
10.7 Monitor the test specimen and its components for any including measurements and observations shall be included.
resonant vibrations. Use a stroboscope; sensors and readouts; 11.1.10 If applicable, identification of components that
and visual, auditory, or other means as applicable to determine could be redesigned to eliminate excessive resonant vibration
these resonances. Any resonances with transmissibilities of 2 or to change the resonant frequency.

3
 D 3580
11.1.11 Transmissibilities, when measured, shall be re- input signals. The within-laboratory standard deviation was
ported. about 1 Hz. The between-laboratory standard deviation was
11.1.12 If applicable, a description of shipping container about 1 Hz. Other products with broader or less prominent
characteristics desirable for vibration protection of the product. primary resonances may have higher within- and between-
laboratory variability.
12. Precision and Bias 12.1.2 Higher-frequency resonances, when identified, had a
12.1 Precision—An interlaboratory study has been con- similar precision as the first significant response. However,
ducted.5 This study evaluated resonant responses of a blower about 10 % of the tests did not identify two other resonances
assembly by six laboratories. A total of 52 tests were conducted identified by the other 90 % of the tests. In addition, some other
on the test item with vibration inputs based on sine sweep, frequencies were identified as resonances in about half of the
random truck vibration, random rail vibration, random air tests. These inconsistencies usually are not of great concern
vibration, and broadband or flat random signals. The fixturing because cushioning designed to attenuate vibration at the
and accelerometer location were identical for all tests. lowest-frequency resonance would also attenuate vibrations at
12.1.1 The first significant resonant response was on a the higher resonances.
relatively simple spring-mass system in the test item. It was 12.2 Bias—The procedures in these test methods have no
identified by all 52 tests with an average of 28.2 Hz. The bias because the identification of resonant frequencies is
observed responses showed varying transmissibilities, but the defined only in terms of these test methods.
resonant frequencies were essentially identical for all types of
13. Keywords
5
A Research Report is available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: 13.1 dwell test; fatigue characteristics; random; resonances;
D10-1011. sinusoidal; vibration

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website (www.astm.org).