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DO-160-Section-8-Vibration

RTCA DO-160 Section 8.0 Vibration Testing

The purpose of RTCA DO-160 vibration testing is to determine whether or not equipment meets performance standards when subjected to vibration for the appropriate installation. This vibration test standard applies to equipment installed on fixed-wing propeller aircraft, fixed-wing turbojet, turbofan, and propfan aircraft and helicopters.

RTCA DO-160 Vibration Test Overview:

The DO-160G test standard specifies three primary categories of equipment. Within each of those categories are sub categories.

Standard Vibration Test (Category S): The standard vibration test is for fixed wing aircraft. This test demonstrates that equipment will meet its functional performance requirements in the vibration environment. The vibration environment is the one experienced during normal operating conditions of the aircraft.

Robust Vibration Test: The robust vibration test determines if equipment will operate satisfactorily while being subjected to vibration. It also determines whether the equipment will continue to operate satisfactorily after being subjected to endurance vibration levels. These vibration tests combine a demonstration of the equipment functional performance and structural integrity.

Category R: Fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter

Category U: Helicopters

Category U2: Helicopters

High-Level, Short Duration Vibration Test: High-level short duration transient vibration levels are encountered during abnormal fixed-wing aircraft vibration conditions that occur during an engine fan blade loss. This test should be applied to equipment in which a functional loss of performance can hazardously affect the aircraft’s performance.

Category H: Testing is for fixed-wing aircraft. The testing is a generalized test that includes all applications. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 vibration testing.

Category Z: Testing is for fixed-wing aircraft. The testing is for restricted low fan frequency applications. Equipment meeting this description must go through RTCA-DO-160 vibe testing.

The specific testing and duration of testing of a device will depend on aircraft type, location of the unit in the aircraft, and proximity of the device to the engines.

Keystone Compliance is a leader in vibration testing compliance. Our vibration test lab includes four shaker tables. Having multiple shaker tables allows us to offer short lead times on scheduling. We also offer engineering assistance throughout the test program and we can assist with fixture design. Our capabilities include but are not limited to sine, random, sine on random vibration testing.

As an RTCA DO-160G accredited test lab, we have the experience, equipment and resources to meet every vibration test need. In addition to being accredited to complete RTCA-DO-160G testing, Keystone is also accredited to all previous versions of the standard as well. Please contact us to see firsthand why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to be their RTCA DO-160 test lab.

Looking for other testing to other sections of RTCA DO-160 testing? Click on the links below:

Modifications from one Version of RTCA DO-160 to the Next:

Changes from DO-160C Vibration Testing to DO-160D Vibration Testing

New section defining vibration requirements for helicopters was added. Random vibration levels were changed by the addition of new curves.  Tables and figures were modified to support changes in test levels.

Changes from DO-160D Vibration Testing to DO-160E Vibration Testing

Fixed Wing Zone 2 features two new test curves. High Level Short Duration Category Test was revised. Helicopter endurance test times were reduced and the unknown helicopter test procedure was reconfigured (Category U). Unknown helicopter test procedure (Category U2) was added as an alternative to revision D.

Changes from DO-160E Vibration Testing to DO-160F Vibration Testing

Performance test times were reduced from 30 minutes to a minimum of 10 minutes. Robust test equipment operating, not operating requirements were standardized to have equipment not operating during sinusoidal scans and operating during the robust test portion of the test, unless specified otherwise by the applicable equipment specifications.

Changes from DO-160F Vibration Testing to DO-160G Vibration Testing

Deleted in section 8.8 “Caution should be exercised regarding wear/damage occurring during the tests to DZUS (c) fasteners or other flexible mounting devices.” Editorial change “Repeat the sinusoidal scan of subparagraph 8.8.1.3.a.”