Experimental investigation into the dynamic response of two DOF tuned deck simulator for shock qualification of shipboard systems

Abstract

The explosive shock created by the underwater explosion of a mine or torpedo in close proximity to a surface ship can severely threaten the combat capability and survivability of the ship. MEL-S-901D specifics the shock test procedures and acceptance criteria for all shipboard systems that must resist high impact mechanical shock. While the U.S. Navy's Medium-weight Shock Machine with its standard equipment mounting fixture can subject a combat systems component to more severe shock excitations than experienced in actual ship shock trials, it cannot simulate the lower frequency excitations typically transmitted through a ship's superstructure during shock trials that expose equipment to catastrophic resonant vibration. This study is an experimental investigation into the dynamic response of the recently built Two Degree-of-Freedom (2DOF) tuned Deck Simulator (TDS) for the Medium-weight Shock Machine (MWSM) to evaluate its potential role in the pre-acceptance shock qualification of new shipboard combat systems equipment. Upon completion of final characterization testing, the 2DOF-TDS could be integrated into the medium-weight shock qualification procedures of MIL-S-901D. This improvement could significantly enhance the capacity of a warship to absorb damage and still maintain its mission integrity.