shakeshock

Shakeshock is a term used in mechanical testing to describe a dynamic load event that combines substantial shaking with a sharp impulsive shock. In this usage, "shake" refers to sustained vibratory motion, while "shock" refers to a rapid, high-magnitude force delivered over a short duration. The term is a portmanteau of these two loading modes and is used to characterize test profiles that mimic complex real-world conditions.

Origin and scope: The concept emerged in vibration and shock testing communities to address scenarios where equipment experiences both vibration and sudden impacts, such as during rough handling, transport, or operation in harsh environments. Shakeshock profiles are implemented in test systems to subject components to sequences that combine sine or random vibration with an added impulsive load.

Profiles and measurement: A typical shakeshock profile specifies peak acceleration, duration, rise time, and frequency content for both the shaking and the shock portion. Data are collected with accelerometers and evaluated against performance criteria such as functional integrity and mechanical tolerances. Testing may follow industry standards or contractual requirements.

Impact and interpretation: Shakeshock testing aims to reproduce multi-modal dynamic environments; interpretation requires careful analysis to separate shake and shock contributions. It complements separate vibration and shock tests in assessing reliability.