Components in metrological apparatus and devices, general engineering components and aerospace structures are often exposed to strong dynamic pressures when used. In order to avoid damage or undesired vibration problems during operation and transport, vibration behaviour must be tested – or at least estimated – during the developmental stages.
To fulfil this kind of task, the Institute of Aeroelasticity has a multi-axis vibrating table. The multi-axis vibration simulator (MAVIS) operates hydraulically. It consists of a square vibration table with a mounting surface of 1.50 x 1.50 metres. Four vertical and three horizontal actuators are capable of producing movements in any of the six degrees of freedom (three translation and three rotation).
The whole facility is mounted on a seismic base and weighs 90 tons. To protect the surrounding building, the seismic base is placed on a slightly adapted vibration isolation surface. The components fixed to the vibration table are exposed to these six axial dynamic loads. The facility operates between the ranges of 0 to 100Hz. At low frequency ranges, the movements are limited by the maximum stoke of the actuators. At mid and high frequency ranges, the maximum oil flow and hydraulic forces set the limits. The table to the right provides an overview of the facility's performance data.