How Vibration Testing Makes Vehicles Safer

Scientific laboratories are full of equipment most of us have never heard of much less seen. Even if we did see it we wouldn't know how to refer to it or what function it performs within the lab. An example of this is a vibration shaker system and one of its components, vibration test systems. Surely, most of us have never heard it mentioned and if we were shown one, we would not know it. Nonetheless, we have reaped the benefits of their usage in our cars.

Car components and subassemblies undergo vibration testing. Instrument panels, seats inside the car, air-bag sensors, fuel injection pumps, etc. are tested using vibration patterns and levels. The results of the test either prove that the component will work fine under normal road conditions or that it will develop quirky squeaks and rattles that will annoy the vehicle owner.

Think of it as quality control through vibrations. Here are some vehicle components that are tested this way:

• Instrument Panels - Several manufacturers test entire instrument panel assemblies to identify squeaks and rattles. They are a major cause of dissatisfaction among new car owners and account for the majority of warranty costs.

• Seating - A few companies test for squeaky seats.

• Rear-View Mirrors - Complete rear-view mirror assemblies can be tested for stability under driving conditions and to detect units that car buyers would not be happy to own.

• Fuel Injection Pumps - The proper operation of fuel injection pumps can be determined through testing that will replicate the vibrating conditions for the road and the engine.

• Crash Sensors - Crash sensors manufacturers test them to ensure that the air bags are deployed at the right acceleration point; not before or after.

As you can see, vibration testing is helping the automotive industry build better, more reliable cars. It should come as no surprise, since vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers are under great pressure to improve the safety of their products. The individual components and the assembled vehicles need to pass a large number of safety tests, including vibration trials. Commercial vehicles are not even allowed on the road if they do not have the certificate of completion from these tests.

The testing allows manufacturers to develop safer, more dependable products that are also comfortable and easy to use. Vehicles made for the military are submitted to vibration testing, too. The rigor of the test conditions is even more severe in this case.

You knew that vehicles were submitted to many rounds of tests before it was determined that they were safe to drive. You probably thought of the dummies in the crashing vehicle when you pictured those tests. That image has been used in many ads and it is no surprise that you are so familiar with it. By contrast, the lab work performed on the car's components is not so highly publicized and you know little about it.

Nonetheless, now that you have read this article you know how vibration testing has made your vehicle safer.

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