Dynamic and Shock Testing for Compliance & Reliability
ESL Labs provides comprehensive dynamic testing services designed to evaluate how products and systems perform under shock, vibration, and mechanical stress conditions.
Our dynamic testing services support military, aerospace, marine, transportation, and industrial qualification requirements.
From transportation vibration profiles to naval shock qualification testing, ESL Labs helps manufacturers validate durability, identify design weaknesses, and support compliance with military and commercial standards.
Advanced Dynamic Testing Facility
Our facility supports both commercial and military-spec dynamic testing programs, including rare naval shock testing capabilities available at only a limited number of facilities worldwide.
Our dynamic testing capabilities include:
- Electrodynamic vibration testing
- Loose cargo vibration testing
- Classical shock testing
- Drop shock testing
- MIL-DTL-901E naval shock testing
- Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) analysis
Our equipment capacity allows testing of both small components and large mission-critical systems.
Dynamic Testing Capabilities
Our dynamic testing services support military, aerospace, marine, transportation, and industrial qualification requirements.
Vibration Testing at ESL Labs evaluates product durability under harsh operational and transit environments by simulating mechanical stress to uncover design flaws and fatigue points before deployment. Using our electrodynamic shaker reaching up to 12,000 lbf of force and 100 g acceleration, the facility supports Sine, Random, Mixed-Mode, and combined thermal-vibration profiles.
- Mechanical Vibration - MIL-STD-810 Method 514 + DO-160 Section 8
- Shipboard Vibration - MIL-STD-167-1A
Shock Testing at ESL Labs evaluates the resilience of equipment subjected to sudden, high-energy mechanical impacts, transit drops, and ballistic or explosive forces. By simulating extreme shock pulses, the facility validates structural integrity and operational survivability for mission-critical hardware before real-world deployment.
- High-Impact Shipboard Shock - MIL-DTL-901E / MIL-S-901 (Lightweight Shock Machine)
- CFTO D-03-003-007/SG-000: The Canadian Forces Technical Order governing design and testing requirements for naval shock qualification (simulated using Lightweight and Medium Weight Shock Machines).
- Transportation and Operational Shock - MIL-STD-810 Method 516 + DO-160 Section 7 (Vibration Shaker and MRAD Shock Machine)
Evaluates the protective capability of primary, secondary, and transport packaging under real-world shipping and logistics conditions. By subjecting packaged products to simulated transit hazards—including drops, dynamic vibration, warehouse stacking loads, and extreme environmental conditioning
- Key Standards: ISTA Series (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E)
- Primary Sectors: Rugged commercial electronics, defense hardware packaging, aerospace components, medical devices, and high-value industrial goods.
By simulating ocean depth pressures and internal hydraulic loads, the facility helps validate subsea enclosures, pressure vessels, valves, and sensors before deployment.
- High-Pressure Vessel #1 - Reaches pressures up to 100 MPa (15,000 psi) in a 1.2m x 0.302m vessel, ideal for subsea sensors, and deep-sea instruments
- High-Pressure Vessel #2 - Reaches pressures up to 8.8 MPa (1,200 psi) in a larger 2.5m x 1.0m vessel, for larger subsea housings and vessel components.
The Large Base Motion Simulation at ESL Labs evaluates the dynamic stability, structural integrity, and operational survivability of equipment operating in harsh, unstable motion environments.
- High-Sea State Simulation - Recreates vessel dynamics up to Sea State 6 (simulating 4 to 6-meter ocean waves)
- Subsea & Ocean Tech - Validates AUV/ROV launch and recovery platforms, autonomous ocean buoys, and dynamic offshore energy systems
- Relevant Standards: Complies with MIL-STD-167 (Shipboard Motion/Vibration), MIL-STD-810, and NATO naval platform specifications.
Navy High-Impact Shock Testing (MIL-DTL-901E)
ESL Labs provides certified naval shock testing services using both Lightweight and Medium Weight Shock Machines.
Lightweight Shock Machine (LWSM)
- Supports equipment up to 250 kg (550 lb)
- MIL-DTL-901E compliant
Medium Weight Shock Machine (MWSM)
ESL Labs is proud to offer MIL-DTL-901E certified testing using our Medium Weight Shock Machine — one of only two in Canada and among a limited number worldwide.
Capabilities include:
- High-energy underwater shock simulation
- Testing for mission-critical naval equipment
- Equipment capacity up to 3300 kg (7400 lb)
- Specialized 20–50 m³ reinforced concrete foundation for extreme load handling
This capability supports defence contractors, naval system integrators, and government agencies requiring qualification testing for shipboard equipment and combat environments.
What is dynamic testing?
Dynamic testing evaluates how products and systems perform under vibration, shock, impact, and mechanical stress conditions.
What industries require dynamic testing?
Industries including defence, aerospace, marine, transportation, and industrial manufacturing commonly require dynamic testing to validate durability and reliability.
Can ESL Labs perform MIL-DTL-901E testing?
Yes. ESL Labs provides certified MIL-DTL-901E naval shock testing using both Lightweight and Medium Weight Shock Machines.
What types of vibration testing does ESL Labs provide?
We provide electrodynamic vibration testing, transportation vibration testing, loose cargo vibration testing, and customized vibration profiles.
Can ESL Labs test large equipment?
Yes. Our dynamic testing systems support large and complex mission-critical equipment.
Does ESL Labs provide customized testing programs?
Yes. We develop tailored shock and vibration testing programs based on operational environments, transportation conditions, and compliance requirements.