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.
There are many labs that CAN perform some of these specialized tests but very few who DO perform them. Before selecting a source for your shock absorber testing ask for a list of other shock absorber manufacturers who utilize their facility for shock and strut testing.
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.
Shock Tube Static Strength
We can mount your shock rigidly in a test set-up to allow us to apply a dynamic load up to 50,000 lbs. to the tube of the shock absorber at the specified ramp rate to test the ultimate strength of the weld or any other component. Displacement and load are both measured. We use this set-up to perform a shock tube end cap test where we can perform both fatigue and strength evaluations.
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
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.
Piston Rod Fatigue
Fix rigid shock absorber piston rod assembly, apply a static or dynamic load on the shock absorber piston rod at the specified ramp rate until failure. Displacement and load are measured. We use this set-up to run individual shock absorber performance testing and we use this set-up to mount our anechoic chamber for our shock absorber noise evaluation testing.
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.
Sample Plots
ATE has the experience to get the job done right the First time…. On-time.
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.
Fix rigid shock absorber piston rod assembly, apply a static or dynamic load on the shock absorber piston rod at the specified ramp rate until failure. Displacement and load are measured. We use this set-up to run individual shock absorber performance testing and we use this set-up to mount our anechoic chamber for our shock absorber noise evaluation testing.