High-Force, Wide Frequency, and Large Payload Capability
High-Force Electrodynamic Shaker Testing
Clark Testing’s new Spectral Dynamics 44,000 lbf electrodynamic shaker system, commissioned in April 2026, expands our ability to support high-demand vibration testing programs. The system is designed for qualification, durability, and real-world simulation of components and assemblies that require high force, large displacement, and controlled multi-axis input.
This platform supports both vertical and horizontal testing within a single integrated system, allowing engineers to evaluate performance under realistic boundary conditions without the limitations of smaller or single-axis setups. By combining multiple test configurations within one platform, the system reduces setup changes and improves overall testing efficiency for complex validation programs.
The shaker delivers up to 44,000 lbf sine and random force, with shock capability up to 88,000 lbf. With acceleration up to 100 g, velocity approaching 80 in/s, and 3 inches peak-to-peak displacement, the system is capable of reproducing high-energy vibration environments and transient events with accuracy and repeatability.
These capabilities allow for direct evaluation of product response under transportation, operational, and field-induced loading conditions, supporting both initial qualification and long-term durability validation. The system is particularly well suited for programs where high input energy and large test article mass must be evaluated simultaneously.
Advanced Control and System Design
The system is driven by a 240 kVA high-efficiency amplifier and supported by an integrated cooling system to maintain stable operation under sustained high-load conditions. Spectral Dynamics control hardware and software provide real-time control of amplitude, frequency, and test profiles, enabling precise execution of both standard and custom vibration programs.
Both processed and raw data are captured continuously, ensuring full traceability of test conditions and enabling detailed post-test analysis. This supports repeatability across test runs and provides engineers with confidence in both measured results and system response.
Advanced monitoring ensures that test parameters remain within defined tolerances throughout each run, minimizing variability and maintaining consistent input conditions. This level of control is critical when correlating laboratory data to real-world performance and validating design assumptions.
Engineered for Complex Test Programs
Clark Testing’s shaker system is designed to support complex test programs that extend beyond standard vibration profiles. Large assemblies, uneven mass distribution, and high center-of-gravity test articles can be accommodated with stable and controlled motion.
Engineers can configure tests to simulate real-world mounting conditions and dynamic loading scenarios, ensuring that test inputs accurately reflect operational environments. This is particularly important for assemblies where fixture design and boundary conditions significantly influence test results.
Our engineering team works directly with customers to define test parameters, optimize configurations, and ensure that each test program produces meaningful and actionable data. This collaborative approach reduces risk and improves the overall effectiveness of the validation process.
Slip Table and Multi-Axis Capability
The shaker is configured with a 1500 mm combination base slip table, featuring a magnesium plate supported by a hydrostatic journal bearing system and reinforced granite base. This configuration provides high overturn moment capability, enabling stable testing of large or high center-of-gravity test articles.
Integrated system monitoring tracks oil pressure, fluid levels, and operating conditions to ensure consistent performance throughout testing. This helps maintain system stability during high-force or long-duration test programs.
Additional slip table configurations support large plate testing up to 5 x 10 ft across both primary and cross-axis directions. This allows for testing of extended geometries and assemblies that require distributed support and non-standard mounting.
Horizontal and vertical testing configurations can be combined to simulate real-world vibration environments more accurately, providing a more complete understanding of product response under operational conditions. The system’s high-force and large displacement capabilities also enable accurate reproduction of low-frequency, high-energy events that are difficult to achieve with smaller systems.
Flexible Test Configuration and Fixturing
Every test article presents unique challenges, particularly when dealing with large or complex assemblies. The modular design of the shaker system, combined with multiple slip table configurations and precision mounting interfaces, allows for flexible and adaptable test setups.
Clark Testing supports custom fixturing and mounting solutions to ensure proper load transfer, alignment, and repeatability throughout the test. This includes support for extended structures, irregular geometries, and non-standard mounting requirements.
The ability to accommodate large and irregular test articles enables a broader range of applications, ensuring that testing conditions closely replicate real-world constraints and loading scenarios.
Large Assembly and Precision Mounting
A magnesium head expander provides an increased vertical mounting surface for larger test articles while maintaining stiffness and load distribution. The surface is machined to tight flatness and parallelism tolerances to ensure consistent boundary conditions and minimize variability during testing.
With integrated load support up to 10,000 lbs and reinforced mounting interfaces, the system supports secure, repeatable mounting across a wide range of configurations. This ensures that test inputs are transferred accurately and that results reflect true system response rather than fixture-induced variability.
Reliable Test Execution and Data Integrity
The shaker system is designed to support consistent execution of high-load and long-duration test programs without compromising input control or data quality. Integrated monitoring and protection systems maintain stable operating conditions throughout each test, even under demanding profiles.
This ensures repeatable input, reliable system response, and confidence that measured results reflect actual product behavior rather than test system variability.
Applications and Testing Programs
This capability supports vibration and shock testing across aerospace, defense, transportation, rail, marine, and heavy industrial applications. It is well suited for MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-167, and other qualification standards, as well as custom test profiles tailored to specific operational environments.
By combining high-force capability, multi-axis flexibility, and precise system control, Clark Testing provides engineers with a platform to validate performance, identify failure modes, and generate reliable data for design and qualification decisions.
Engineering Support from Setup to Reporting
From initial test planning through final reporting, Clark Testing provides hands-on engineering support to ensure successful program execution. Our team assists with fixture design, test profile development, and data interpretation, helping customers move from concept to validated performance efficiently.
Testing Capabilities
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- Sine Vibration Testing
- Random Vibration Testing
- Shock and Transient Testing
- Multi-Axis Vibration (Vertical & Horizontal)
- Large Assembly and High CG Testing
- MIL-STD-810 and Custom Test Profiles
Get Started
Ready to start your vibration testing program?
Request a quote or speak directly with an engineer.
or call 1 (888) 325-8517
System Performance
Force Output
Up to 44,000 lbf (sine and random)
Shock force up to 88,000 lbf
Acceleration
Up to 100 g
Velocity
Up to 78.7 in/s
Displacement
Up to 3.0 in peak-to-peak
Payload & Capacity
Vertical Load Support
Up to 5,500 lbs
Head Expander Load Support
Up to 10,000 lbs
Large Plate Testing
Supports configurations up to 5 ft x 10 ft
Slip Table System
Primary Slip Table
1500 mm x 1500 mm magnesium plate
System Design
Hydrostatic journal bearing with granite base
Motion Capability
Multi-axis (X and Y) testing
Monitoring
Oil pressure, fluid level, and system status tracking
System Features
- Spectral Dynamics advanced control system
- 240 kVA high-efficiency amplifier
- Integrated cooling system for high-load operation
- Real-time data acquisition and control
- Processed and raw data capture for full traceability
- Modular system design for flexibility and expansion
Test Article Support
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- Large and complex assemblies
- High center-of-gravity structures
- Custom fixturing and mounting configurations
- Precision-machined mounting surfaces
