Vibration transducers are tested in a hazardous environment using a single axis transmission system with an electromagnetic shaker table and vibrating wires which drive identical rocker arms, one in the test cell and the other outside. This system can be modified for a multiaxis configuration

Armstrong, D. G.

Gaal, A. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1965	 Brief 65-10248 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued by the Technology Utilization Division to summarize specific 
technical innovations derived from the space program. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia, 22151. 
System Transmits Mechanical Vibration into Hazardous Environment 
Shaker
Rocker Arm 
Sealing Membrane 
Rocker Army 
Reference Transducer 
Knife-Edge Pivot 
Vibrating Wire
Knife-Edge
Output Transducer 
Test Cell Wall	 Under Test 
The problem: To test the action of vibration trans-
ducers in a nuclear radiation field or other hazardous 
environment. Shaker tables necessary for such tests 
cannot survive a nuclear or chemically contaminated 
environment. A system is required to transmit vibra-
tory forces generated outside a nuclear radiation en-
vironment to transducers and reactoF components 
under test inside that environment. 
The solution: A single-axis transmission system 
uses an electromagnetic shaker table and vibrating
wires to drive identical rocker arms, one within and 
one outside the hazardous environment. 
How it's done: The identical rocker arms are 
joined by two wires, in a condition of high tensile 
stress, that pass through sealing membranes in the test 
cell wall. The rocker arms pivot on knife edges to 
which they are held by the tension in the wires. The 
rocker arm outside the test cell is vibrated directly by 
the shaker and this energy is transmitted to the arm in-
side the cell by the wires. A transducer mounted on the 
outside rocker arm provides a reference for evaluation 
of the transducer under test.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or. that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19650000246 2020-03-11T17:20:09+00:00Z
Notes: 
1. This systen3 has been successfully used in a nuclear 
reactor. 
2. With modification this system could be used in a 
multiaxis configuration. 
3. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
AEC-NASA Space Nuclear 
Propulsion Office 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Washington, D.C., 20545 
Reference: B65-10248
Patent status: NASA encourages commercial use 
of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated 
by NASA.
Source: A. E. Gaal and D. G. Armstrong

of Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory

under contract to

Space Nuclear Propulsion Office

(NU-0025) 
Brief 65-10248	 Category No. 05


System transmits mechanical vibration into hazardous environment

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