VALIDATION OF FORCE-LIMITED VIBRATION TESTING

A sounding rocket experiment was performed on May 8, 1997, that contri buted to the process of validating force-limited random vibration test ing. A simple structure was flown and instrumented with accelerometers and force gages. The results of the data acquired during the flight t ests are compared with predicted results which were performed prior to the flight tests. The data have helped to validate the force-limited testing approach for random vibration testing. Additionally, the data will be used for others to develop improved analytical techniques for force-limited vibration testing. This flight is the first in a series of at least three that will be performed.