Advanced Testing & Engineering – Shock Absorber Testing and Suspension Testing, Durability Testing, Mechanical Testing, A2LA Accredited Mechanical Test Laboratory.

Shock Absorber Testing Specialists

Our shock absorber testing lab is recognized as the premier facility for independent suspension testing. We provide real-time monitor of load loss, temperature control, and virtually any vibration input. We provide side load capability and a variety of test rigs including, single position (one shock/strut at a time), 2 position, 4 position, and 6 position rigs all designed to meet your needs.

High Speed Valve Durability

Vibrate the shock absorber and frequencies up to 200 Hz using hydraulics. Vibration can be sine or random. Thermal cycling with custom water jackets is available to prevent over-heating of the test sample. We have a chiller system that works with each test rig to regulate the temperature of the coolant thus minimizing the thermal cycle time and preventing premature valve or seal failure due to an overheat condition.

High And Low Speed Cycle

Vary the speed at which a shock absorber is being cycled through random vibration or changing sine profile.

High Speed Impact

Using hydraulics, apply a sudden impact force to compress the shock absorber and achieve the desired acceleration (measured with calibrated accelerometers).

Damping Force Characteristics

Using hydraulics, measure the internal forces of a shock absorber in motion. Load, displacement, and velocity measurements are recorded to create hysteresis curves to accurately display the affects frequency, displacement, and temperature have on a shock absorber. Test samples can be soaked at temperature and humidity prior to cycling, or the test can be performed in an environmental chamber.

Shock Testing at Extreme Temperature

Cycle a shock absorber in an environmental chamber capable of temperatures from –73°C to 177°C with humidity up to 95% RH. Twin 25 HP compressors allow for extremely fast ramp rates.

Muddy Water Endurance

Vibrate the shock absorber and frequencies up to 200 Hz using hydraulics while applying a muddy water solution to the seal area. Vibration can be sine or random. Thermal cycling is available to prevent over-heating of the test sample. Water slurry is prepared according to test specification and is continually mixed in a separate container during test.

Dust Durability

Apply any SAE dust to a shock absorber in the required amounts at the desired location. Monitor the durability of the valve while cycling to insure no dust is penetrating the seal. This test can be performed at temperature to intensify the tests harshness.

Oil Seal Durability

Vibrate the shock absorber and frequencies up to 200 Hz using hydraulics while monitoring the leak rate of the oil or gas. Loss rates are based on weight measurements recorded throughout the test. Vibration can be sine or random. Thermal cycling is available to prevent over-heating of the test sample.

Shock Absorber Friction Test

Using hydraulics, apply a force to a shock absorber while monitoring the load. Side loads can be applied or the test can be performed at extreme temperature for various real life situations. Load vs. Time plots can be recorded at any compression or rebound rates.

Shock Absorber Rebound Bumper Test

With the shock absorber rod either fully in or out apply a linear load to the piston against the end cap of the test sample. Any frequency within the equipments capability can be used to verify the durability of the rebound bumper. Load can be controlled and monitored throughout each test. This test can be performed at extreme temperature.

Noise Evaluation

Using hydraulics, cycle the shock absorber at the standard orientation while measuring the noise generated during the cycle. Whether you are checking swish, knock, rattle, shu-shu, goto or any other shock absorber noise testing our custom anechoic chamber is sure to satisfy your noise evaluation needs.

Biaxial Life Cycle

Using hydraulics, cycle the shock absorber at the standard orientation while applying another axial force perpendicular to the shock tube. The side load can be constant or variable depending on the requirements.

Clevis Bracket To Cylinder Durability

Test the shock absorber vehicle mounts and grommets by clamping the shock tube and applying a cyclic load to the test sample. Any load (up to 50,000 lbs.) and orientation can be achieved based on customer requirements.

Gas Repulsion

Apply a force to a shock absorber at an extremely slow rate while monitoring the load. Load vs. Time plots can be recorded at any compression or rebound rates.

High Speed Piston Endurance

Vibrate the shock absorber and frequencies up to 200 Hz using hydraulics. Vibration can be sine or random. Thermal cycling is available to prevent over-heating of the test sample.

Impact Drop

After rigidly mounting the shock absorber to a test fixture drops or swing the desired impact device to create the required impact load. Custom test fixtures will be developed by Advanced Testing and Engineering, Inc. to suit customer requirements.

Mounting Pin Static / Dynamic Load

Piston Rod Fatigue

Fix rigid shock absorber tube, apply a static or dynamic load on the shock absorber tube at the specified ramp rate until failure. Displacement and load are measured.

Piston Rod Bending Fatigue

After clamping down the shock absorber tube, apply a static or dynamic load on the shock absorber rod to create the required moment. Displacement measurements are available as required.

Static Bending Strength

With the shock absorber rigidly attached to a test fixture, a static load up to 50,000 lbs. can be applied anywhere on the sample to achieve the required moment.

Shock Tube Static Strength

Using hydraulics, apply a load up to 50,000 lbs. to the tube of the shock absorber to test the strength, weld strength, or any other part of the tube.

ATE has the experience to get the job done right the First time…. On-time.