04/16/07

Experiment 1: Impulse Vibration Isolation Test

Figure 1: Set up of Experiment 1

Lockheed Team 2 decided that a general representation of the system performance could be obtained through impulse testing.  This test is not controlled, providing opportunity for error.  The MASM was disconnected from the system for the first part of testing, then it was reconnected to observe the difference in focal point.  A series of short impulses stimulated the aluminum ceiling for both configurations using a rubber mallet.  A laser pointer was attached to the 20lb weight to see the visible displacement of the focal point.  See figure 4 below for the setup of this test.

Click Here for a complete description of the apparatus used and procedures followed for this test.

Experiment 1 Results

Figure 2

Figure 2 above shows the displacement of the focal point without the MASM and with the MASM., respectively.  Comparing the visible changes in laser position, it was observed that the first trial without the MASM produced a range of 28 pixels in the z-direction.  The second trial gave a range of 15 pixels in the z-direction.  This is more than a 46% reduction in visible vibration.