The Mechanical Testing Division at PAMI provides a wide range of mechanical testing services to assist clients with such items as prototype design and testing, vibration testing, data collection, sound level testing, and other related services. Using these services, clients can considerably reduce the development cycle of a new or improved product. For more information visit our WESTEST website

Multi-Axial Simulation Testing (MAST)

Human Resources
Manager, Steve Swiddle, is skilled in solving complex mechanical problems for clients. With his theoretical and practical knowledge, several years of test experience, and the skilled personnel under his supervision, he can assist clients to improve their product, or get a new product out to the market saving them time and money during their product development cycle.

Force and Vibration
The modern force and vibration simulator is used to accelerate life testing of vehicles and components. Field data can be collected from actual working conditions and compressed to a much shorter test cycle using available software. Unnecessary data can be eliminated, and the force and vibration system then reproduces the compressed time traces. Data compression allows tests to be run at an accelerated rate to quickly identify potential problem areas. PAMI can assist in redesigning the product, and then repeating the tests in a short period of time. The force and vibration simulator is able to precisely repeat tests allowing for direct comparison of subsequent prototypes. Advantages to manufacturers are:

• lower costs because only necessary components are tested
• reduced product development cycles
• all-weather testing
• reduced warranty costs

• end-product released to market with confidence
  

Multi-Axial Simulation Testing (MAST)
The MAST Table extends the capabilities of the force and vibration simulator. This equipment is used to obtain a true, accurate, accelerated simulation of the real-life environment in the lab.

This special piece of equipment provides:

• Six degrees-of-freedom: vertical, lateral, longitudinal, pitch, roll, yaw.
• Multi-axis motion
• Versatile mounting surface for attaching diverse test components
• Precision repetitive testing
• Complex real-time testing
• Durability testing
• Squeak and rattle evaluation to identify potential noise
• Vibration and harshness testing to simulate components rubbing together or vibrating
• Accelerated product development
• Dynamic response analysis
• Computer model verification

• Body components and assemblies
• Seats
• Instrument panels
• Fuel tanks
• Radiators
• Engine mounts
• Exhaust systems
• Headlamp assemblies
• Battery carriages
• Small vehicles

Sound and Vibration
PAMI can travel to your site to assess sound and vibration. Because sound and vibration cannot be seen, it is hard to determine where the problem is originating. PAMI's state-of-the-art equipment can measure sound pressure, sound intensity, and mechanical vibration. This is used to identify and correct hazardous sound levels or harmful vibration frequencies to help reduce operator stress and fatigue.

Data Acquisition
PAMI has numerous portable data acquisition systems that include Somat eDAQ Plus and Optim Megadac systems. Complementing these systems are an array of sensors including temperature, pressure, force, humidity, wind speed, vibration, sound, light, and acceleration. nCode's ICE-flow GlyphWorks, DSP's DADISP, and SOMAT's Infield are some of the software packages used for efficient data analysis and presentation. For example, using this data acquisition equipment, loads applied to a safety chain can be assessed during a hitch disconnection, or the ride of a patient in an ambulance can be evaluated.

Computer Simulation
Using AutoDesk Mechanical Desktop and Pro/Engineer for 3D drafting and modeling, models can then be imported into Algor for finite element analysis. This analysis allows for design concepts to be tested before components are actually fabricated and physically tested. This is a quick and efficient way to get a design concept started and yet be able to check on some of the components to see if it will comply with necessary standards or safety.