ASTM D3580-22

Standard Test Methods for Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Products are exposed to complex dynamic stresses in the transportation environment. The determination of the resonant frequencies of the product may aid the packaging designer in determining the proper packaging system to provide adequate protection for the product, as well as providing an understanding of the complex interactions between the components of the product as they relate to expected transportation vibration inputs.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of resonances of unpackaged products and components of unpackaged products by means of vertical linear motion at the surface on which the product is mounted for test. Two alternate test methods are presented:    
Test Method A—Resonance Search Using Sinusoidal Vibration, and  
Test Method B—Resonance Search Using Random Vibration.  
Note 1: The two test methods are not necessarily equivalent and may not produce the same results. It is possible that tests using random vibration may be more representative of the transport environment and may be conducted more quickly than sine tests.  
1.2 This information may be used to examine the response of products to vibration for product design purposes, or for the design of a container or interior package that will minimize transportation vibration inputs at these critical frequencies, when these products resonances are within the expected transportation environment frequency range. Since vibration damage is most likely to occur at product resonant frequencies, these resonances may be thought of as potential product fragility points.  
1.3 Information obtained from the optional dwell test methods may be used to assess the fatigue characteristics of the resonating components and for product modification. This may become necessary if the response of a product would require design of an impractical or excessively costly shipping container.  
1.4 These test methods do not necessarily simulate the vibration effects that the product will encounter in its operational or in-use environment. Other, more suitable test procedures should be used for this purpose.  
1.5 Test levels given in these test methods represent the correlation of the best information currently available from research investigation and from experience in the use of these test methods. If more applicable or accurate data are available, they should be substituted.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 6 for specific precautionary statements.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 19.060 - Mechanical testing
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.13 - Interior Packaging

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4728-06(2012) - Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4728-06 - Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D996-04 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D996-99 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D996-02 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4332-99 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4728-01 - Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e2 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e1 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM D3580-22 is the internationally recognized standard for the vibration (vertical linear motion) testing of products. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines test methods to determine the resonant frequencies of unpackaged products and their components using controlled vertical linear motion. These methods are critical for assessing product vulnerability and packaging requirements in the face of real-world transportation vibrations, helping to identify potential fragility points and guiding the design of protective packaging solutions.

The standard provides two primary test methods:

• Test Method A: Resonance Search Using Sinusoidal Vibration
• Test Method B: Resonance Search Using Random Vibration

By establishing repeatable, controlled conditions, ASTM D3580-22 helps packaging engineers and product designers better predict, mitigate, and report upon the potential effects of vibration during transport.

Key Topics

• Resonance Identification: The standard facilitates the detection of resonant frequencies of products or their components, which are particularly susceptible to vibration-related damage during transportation.
• Two Complementary Test Approaches:
  • Sinusoidal Vibration (Method A): Useful for characterizing the precise frequency response.
  • Random Vibration (Method B): Often more representative of actual transportation environments.
• Fatigue Assessment: Optional dwell and prolonged vibration tests help assess the fatigue characteristics of product components and inform decisions about product or packaging redesign.
• Instrumentation and Data Recording: The standard details requirements for sensors, data acquisition systems, and proper specimen mounting to ensure test accuracy.
• Reporting Requirements: Comprehensive documentation is required, including test product description, purpose, test methods, frequencies, and observed resonances, which supports reproducibility and compliance.

Applications

ASTM D3580-22 is widely used across industries that require reliable packaging and shipping solutions. Typical applications include:

• Product and Packaging Design: Enables engineers to design packaging systems that protect products from vibration-induced damage during transit. Knowledge of resonant frequencies helps optimize cushioning and support.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Identifies critical frequencies where products are most fragile, allowing for targeted design improvements to minimize damage risk.
• Performance Verification: Used by manufacturers to demonstrate that their products, or the chosen packaging systems, meet required vibration-resilience standards prior to distribution.
• Regulatory and Quality Compliance: Satisfies the requirements for vibration testing outlined by sectors such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer goods.
• Transport Simulation: By recreating the vibration conditions encountered in real transportation, this standard helps to uncover failure modes before products reach the market.

Related Standards

ASTM D3580-22 references and aligns with several other important standards for packaging and transportation testing, including:

• ASTM D996 – Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D4332 – Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM D4728 – Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM E122 – Calculating Sample Size for Estimating Characteristics of a Lot or Process
• MIL-STD-810, Method 514 – Military standard for vibration testing

These related documents provide additional guidance on terminology, environmental conditioning, statistical methods, and broader vibration test practices, ensuring robust and reproducible evaluation of packaging and product performance in transportation environments.

---

By following ASTM D3580-22, organizations can significantly improve the durability and reliability of their products throughout the supply chain, reducing damage and supporting customer satisfaction. This standard is a critical tool for anyone involved in product testing, package engineering, or logistics optimization.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3580 − 22
Standard Test Methods for
Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3580; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of reso-
standard.
nancesofunpackagedproductsandcomponentsofunpackaged
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
products by means of vertical linear motion at the surface on
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
which the product is mounted for test. Two alternate test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
methods are presented:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Test MethodA—Resonance Search Using Sinusoidal Vibration, and
Test Method B—Resonance Search Using Random Vibration. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
See Section 6 for specific precautionary statements.
NOTE 1—The two test methods are not necessarily equivalent and may
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
not produce the same results. It is possible that tests using random
vibration may be more representative of the transport environment and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
may be conducted more quickly than sine tests.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 This information may be used to examine the response Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of products to vibration for product design purposes, or for the
design of a container or interior package that will minimize Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
transportation vibration inputs at these critical frequencies,
2. Referenced Documents
when these products resonances are within the expected
transportation environment frequency range. Since vibration
2.1 ASTM Standards:
damage is most likely to occur at product resonant frequencies,
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
these resonances may be thought of as potential product
ments
fragility points.
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
Packaging Components for Testing
1.3 Information obtained from the optional dwell test meth-
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Ship-
ods may be used to assess the fatigue characteristics of the
ping Containers
resonating components and for product modification.This may
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
become necessary if the response of a product would require
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
design of an impractical or excessively costly shipping con-
Lot or Process
tainer.
2.2 Military Standard:
1.4 These test methods do not necessarily simulate the
MIL-STD 810, Method 514 Vibration
vibration effects that the product will encounter in its opera-
tional or in-use environment. Other, more suitable test proce-
3. Terminology
dures should be used for this purpose.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
1.5 Test levels given in these test methods represent the
methods, see Terminology D996.
correlation of the best information currently available from
research investigation and from experience in the use of these 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
test methods. If more applicable or accurate data are available,
3.2.1 decade—theintervaloftwofrequencieshavingabasic
they should be substituted. frequency ratio of 10 (1 decade = 3.322 octaves).
1 2
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Packaging. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3580 – 95 (2015). Available from Defense Printing Service Detachment Office, Bldg. 4D,
DOI: 10.1520/D3580-22. NPM-DODSSP, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
D3580 − 22
3.2.2 decibel (dB)—a logarithmic expression of the relative 5. Apparatus
values of two quantities. For relative power measurements, the
5.1 Vibration Test Machine—The machine shall consist of a
dB value equals 10 times the base-10 logarithm of the ratio of
flat horizontal test surface of sufficient strength and rigidity
the two quantities, that is, dB = 10 log {P1/P2}.
suchthattheappliedvibrationsareessentiallyuniformoverthe
3.2.3 mean-square—the time average of the square of the
entire test surface when loaded with the test specimen.The test
function.
surface shall be driven to move only in vertical linear motion
throughout the desired range of amplitudes and frequencies.
3.2.4 octave—theintervaloftwofrequencieshavingabasic
5.1.1 Sinusoidal Control—The frequency and amplitude of
frequency ratio of 2 (1 octave = 0.301 decade).
the motion shall be variable, under control, to cover the range
3.2.5 overall g rms—the square root of the integral of power
specified in 10.4.
spectral density over the total frequency range.
5.1.2 Random Control—The frequency and amplitudes of
3.2.6 power spectral density (PSD)—a term used to quan-
motion shall be continuously variable, under control, to
tify the intensity of random vibration in terms of mean-square
achieve the bandwidths, amplitudes, and overall g rms values
2 2
acceleration per unit of frequency. The units are g /Hz (g /
specified in 10.5.
cycles/s). Power spectral density is the limiting mean square
5.2 Specimen-Mounting Devices—Devices of sufficient
value in a given rectangular bandwidth divided by the
strength and rigidity are required to attach the product securely
bandwidth, as the bandwidth approaches zero.
to the test surface. The mounting devices shall not have
3.2.7 random vibration—oscillatory motion which contains
significant resonances in the test frequency range. They shall
no periodic or quasiperiodic constituent.
rigidly mount the product in a manner similar to the way in
3.2.8 random vibration magnitude—the root-mean–square
which it will be supported in its shipping container. Relative
of the power spectral density value. The instantaneous magni-
motion between the test surface and the specimen mounting
tudes of random vibration are not prescribed for any given
interface shall not be permitted.
instant in time, but instead are prescribed by a probability
5.3 Instrumentation:
distribution function, the integral of which over a given
5.3.1 Sensors, signal conditioners, filters, and a data acqui-
magnitude range will give the probable percentage of time that
sition apparatus are required to monitor or record, or both, the
the magnitude will fall within that range.
accelerations and frequencies at the test surface of the appara-
3.2.9 resonance—for a system undergoing forced vibration,
tus and at points of interest in the product.The instrumentation
the frequency at which any change of the exciting frequency in
system shall have a response accurate to within 65 % over the
the vicinity of the exciting frequency, causes a decrease in the
test range.
response of the system.
5.3.1.1 For Test MethodA, the frequencies and acceleration
3.2.10 root-mean-square (rms)—the square root of the
amplitudes or transmissibilities may be taken either manually
mean-square value. In the exclusive case of a sine wave, the or by means of a recording instrument.Astroboscope or video
rms value is 0.707 times the peak.
system may be beneficial for visual examination of the
specimen under test.
3.2.11 sinusoidal vibration—periodic motion whose accel-
5.3.1.2 For Test Method B, the data acquisition apparatus
eration versus time waveform has the general shape of a sine
shallbecapableofrecordingorindicatingthetransmissibilities
curve, that is, y = sine x.
between points of interest in the product to the test surface,
3.2.12 sinusoidal vibration amplitude—themaximumvalue
over the frequency bandwidth specified in 10.5.
of a sinusoidal quantity. By convention, acceleration is typi-
cally specified in terms of zero-to-peak amplitude, while
6. Hazards
displacement is specified in terms of peak-to-peak amplitude.
6.1 Precaution—These test methods may produce severe
3.2.13 transmissibility—the ratio of the measured accelera-
mechanicalresponseintheproductbeingtested.Therefore,the
tion amplitude at a point of interest in the product to the
means used to fasten the product to the test surface must be of
measuredinputaccelerationamplitudeofthetestsurfaceofthe
sufficient strength to keep it adequately secured. Operating
apparatus.
personnel shall remain alert to potential hazards and take
3.2.14 vertical linear motion—motion occurring essentially necessary precautions for their safety. Stop the test method
immediately if a dangerous condition should develop.
along a straight vertical line, with no significant horizontal or
off-axis components.
7. Sampling
4. Significance and Use
7.1 Test specimens and number of samples shall be chosen
4.1 Productsareexposedtocomplexdynamicstressesinthe
to permit an adequate determination of representative perfor-
transportation environment. The determination of the resonant
mance. Whenever sufficient products are available, five or
frequencies of the product may aid the packaging designer in
more replicate samples should be tested to improve the
determining the proper packaging system to provide adequate
statistical reliability of the data obtained (see Practice E122).
protection for the product, as well as providing an understand-
8. Test Specimens
ing of the complex interactions between the components of the
product as they relate to expected transportation vibration 8.1 The product as intended for packag
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3580 − 95 (Reapproved 2015) D3580 − 22
Standard Test Methods for
Vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) Test of Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3580; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of resonances of unpackaged products and components of unpackaged products
by means of vertical linear motion at the surface on which the product is mounted for test. Two alternate test methods are presented:
Test Method A—Resonance Search Using Sinusoidal Vibration, and
Test Method B—Resonance Search Using Random Vibration.
NOTE 1—The two test methods are not necessarily equivalent and may not produce the same results. It is possible that tests using random vibration may
be more representative of the transport environment and may be conducted more quickly than sine tests.
1.2 This information may be used to examine the response of products to vibration for product design purposes, or for the design
of a container or interior package that will minimize transportation vibration inputs at these critical frequencies, when these
products resonances are within the expected transportation environment frequency range. Since vibration damage is most likely
to occur at product resonant frequencies, these resonances may be thought of as potential product fragility points.
1.3 Information obtained from the optional dwell test methods may be used to assess the fatigue characteristics of the resonating
components and for product modification. This may become necessary if the response of a product would require design of an
impractical or excessively costly shipping container.
1.4 These test methods do not necessarily simulate the vibration effects that the product will encounter in its operational or in-use
environment. Other, more suitable test procedures should be used for this purpose.
1.5 Test levels given in these test methods represent the correlation of the best information currently available from research
investigation and from experience in the use of these test methods. If more applicable or accurate data are available, they should
be substituted.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 66 for specific precautionary statements.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior Packaging.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2022. Published May 2015October 2022. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
D3580 – 95 (2010).(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D3580-95R15.10.1520/D3580-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3580 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
2.2 Military Standard:
MIL-STD 810, Method 514 Vibration
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test methods, see Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 decade—the interval of two frequencies having a basic frequency ratio of 10 (1 decade = 3.322 octaves).
3.2.2 decibel (dB)—a logarithmic expression of the relative values of two quantities. For relative power measurements, the dB
value equals 10 times the base-10 logarithm of the ratio of the two quantities, that is, dB = 10 log {P1/P2}.
3.2.3 mean-square—the time average of the square of the function.
3.2.4 octave—the interval of two frequencies having a basic frequency ratio of 2 (1 octave = 0.301 decade).
3.2.5 overall g rms—the square root of the integral of power spectral density over the total frequency range.
3.2.6 power spectral density (PSD)—a term used to quantify the intensity of random vibration in terms of mean-square
2 2
acceleration per unit of frequency. The units are g /Hz (g /cycles/s). Power spectral density is the limiting mean square value in
a given rectangular bandwidth divided by the bandwidth, as the bandwidth approaches zero.
3.2.7 random vibration—oscillatory motion which contains no periodic or quasiperiodic constituent.
3.2.8 random vibration magnitude—the root-mean–square of the power spectral density value. The instantaneous magnitudes of
random vibration are not prescribed for any given instant in time, but instead are prescribed by a probability distribution function,
the integral of which over a given magnitude range will give the probable percentage of time that the magnitude will fall within
that range.
3.2.9 resonance—for a system undergoing forced vibration, the frequency at which any change of the exciting frequency in the
vicinity of the exciting frequency, causes a decrease in the response of the system.
3.2.10 root-mean-square (rms)—the square root of the mean-square value. In the exclusive case of a sine wave, the rms value is
0.707 times the peak.
3.2.11 sinusoidal vibration—periodic motion whose acceleration versus time waveform has the general shape of a sine curve, that
is, y = sine x.
3.2.12 sinusoidal vibration amplitude—the maximum value of a sinusoidal quantity. By convention, acceleration is typically
specified in terms of zero-to-peak amplitude, while displacement is specified in terms of peak-to-peak amplitude.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Defense Printing Service Detachment Office, Bldg. 4D, NPM-DODSSP, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094.
D3580 − 22
3.2.13 transmissibility—the ratio of the measured acceleration amplitude at a point of interest in the product to the measured input
acceleration amplitude of the test surface of the apparatus.
3.2.14 vertical linear motion—motion occurring essentially along a straight vertical line, with no significant horizontal or off-axis
components.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Products are exposed to complex dynamic stresses in the transportation environment. The determination of the resonant
frequencies of the product may aid the packaging designer in determining the proper packaging system to provide adequate
protection for the product, as well as providing an understanding of the complex interactions between the components of the
product as they relate to expected transportation vibration inputs.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Vibration Test Machine—The machine shall consist of a flat horizontal test surface of sufficient strength and rigidity such that
the applied vibrations are essentially uniform over the entire test surface when loaded with the test specimen. The test surface shall
be driven to move only in vertical linear motion throughout the desired range of amplitudes and frequencies.
5.1.1 Sinusoidal Control—The frequency and amplitude of the motion shall be variable, under control, to cover the range specified
in 10.4.
5.1.2 Random Control—The frequency and amplitudes of motion shall be continuously variable, under control, to achieve the
bandwidths, amplitudes, and overall g rms values specified in 10.5.
5.2 Specimen-Mounting Devices—Devices of sufficient strength and rigidity are required to attach the product securely to the test
surface. The mounting devices shall not have significant resonances in the test frequency range. They shall rigidly mount the
product in a manner similar to the way in which it will be supported in its shipping container. Relative motion between the test
surface and the specimen mounting interface shall not be permitted.
5.3 Instrumentation:
5.3.1 Sensors, signal conditioners, filters, and a data acquisition apparatus are required to monitor or record, or both, the
accelerations and frequencies at the test surface of the apparatus and at points of interest in the product. The instrumentation system
shall have a response accurate to within 65 % over the test range.
5.3.1.1 For Test Method A, the frequencies and acceleration amplitudes or transmissibilities may be taken either manually or by
means of a recording instrument. A stroboscope or video system may be beneficial for visual examination of the specimen under
test.
5.3.1.2 For Test Method B, the data acquisition apparatus shall be capable of recording or indicating the transmissibilities between
points of interest in the product to the test surface, over the frequency bandwidth specified in 10.5.
6. Hazards
6.1 Precaution—These test methods may produce severe mechanical response in the product being tested. Therefore, the means
used to fasten the product to the test surface must be of sufficient strength to keep it adequately secured. Operating personnel shall
remain alert to potential hazards and take necessary precautions for their safety. Stop the test method immediately if a dangerous
condition should develop.
7. Sampling
7.1 Test specimens and number of samples shall be chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative performance.
Whenever sufficient products are available, five or more replicate samples should be tested to improve the statistical reliability of
the data obtained (see Practice E122).
...