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MIL-STD 883 Acceleration Testing

MIL-883 acceleration testing helps determine the effects of constant acceleration on microelectronic devices. It is an accelerated test designed to uncover structural and mechanical weaknesses that are not detected in shock and vibration tests. It may be used as a high stress test to determine the mechanical limits of the test item. It may also reveal internal metallization and lead system, die or substrate attachment, and other elements of the microelectronic device.

By establishing proper stress levels, it may also be employed as an in-line 100 percent screen. Thus the test helps detect and eliminate devices with lower than nominal mechanical strengths in any of the structural elements. This test is performed on devices that will experience constant acceleration during a mechanical life cycle. This mechanical life testing is best done in a constant acceleration testing lab.

Keystone Compliance is a life cycle test lab with significant experience in MIL-STD 883 constant acceleration testing experience. Our test engineers have an in-depth knowledge of military life testing for commercial, military, and aerospace products. This includes knowledge of MIL-STD 883G acceleration and MIL-STD 883H acceleration.

The following information is extremely technical in nature. It provides a summary of Method 2001.4 constant acceleration as derived from the MIL-883K constant acceleration section. Even though the language is from MIL-883K, it applies previous versions of the standard. This includes MIL-883G acceleration and MIL-883H acceleration testing.

What is the Proper Procedure for Method 2001.4 Constant Acceleration Testing?

Constant acceleration tests must be performed on an apparatus capable of applying the specified acceleration for the required time. In the constant acceleration lab the test item is restrained by its case, or by normal mountings. The leads or cables are secured. For best reliability testing, a constant acceleration of the value specified is applied to the device for 1 minute minimum.

This acceleration is applied in each of the orientations X1, X2, Y1,Y2, Z1, and Z2 for the necessary period of time. For devices the internal elements are mounted with the major seating plan perpendicular to the Y axis. In these cases, the Y1 orientation is the one in which the element tends to be removed from its mount. Unless otherwise specified, test condition E shall apply.

Note: The “Stress level(s)” are absolute minimums with no lower tolerances. The spin radius is from the center of the rotor to the 1st point of element attachment.

Test ConditionStress Level (g)
A5,000
B10,000
C15,000
D20,000
E30,000
F50,000
G75,000
H100,000
J125,000

What Are the Effects of Acceleration that make Military Acceleration Testing Necessary?

Acceleration results in loads on mounting hardware and internal loads within material. Note that all elements of the materials are loaded, including fluids. However, high levels of acceleration can cause these loads to increase to a point that is not sustainable.

The following is a partial list of detrimental effects from high levels of acceleration. If it is possible that any of these may occur, reliability life testing is necessary. Acceleration may cause:

  • Structural deflections may interfere with the proper operation of the device.
  • Pumps may form cavities.
  • Broken fasteners and supports may cause parts in the device to loosen.
  • Broken mounting hardware may cause loose material within a platform.
  • Relays may open or close.
  • Seals may leak.
  • Permanent deformation, structural cracks, and fractures could disable or destroy material.
  • Electronic circuit boards could short out and circuits could open up.
  • Inductances and capacitances may change value.
  • Pressure and flow regulators may change value.
  • Actuators and other mechanisms might bind.
  • Spools in servo valves may be displaced in a way that causes erratic and dangerous control system response.

Please note, dual cavity devices may require multiple spins with the device orientation reversed to properly stress the device.

Where is the Best Acceleration Lab to Get a Constant Acceleration Certification for your Product?

Keystone Compliance has been recognized as one of the best constant acceleration laboratories in the country. Our military acceleration lab and expert test engineers allow us to provide the best acceleration testing.  Our capabilities include testing to commercial, aerospace, and military acceleration testing standards.

Are you looking for constant acceleration compliance testing for your product? Talk to our experts to develop a streamlined test plan and receive a professional and affordable quote. Contact us to learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance for their testing services.

MIL-STD-883 testing contains several test methods. For more information about these test methods, please click on one of the links below.