Vibration testing system

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Rapid exchange vacuum fixture vibration system adapted for use with a vibration testing machine designed to move a surface to induce vibration in a fixture attached to a unit under test. The invention includes an adapter plate attached, at a first surface, to the surface of the vibration testing machine. A vacuum panel assembly, housing a vacuum pump, is included for creating a vacuum between the upper surface of the adapter plate and the lower surface on the fixture whereby the fixture and the unit under test attached thereto is secured to the adapter plate and thereby secured to the vibration testing machine without using bolts or other hardware for clamping. Thus, the method of the invention includes the steps of attaching an adapter plate to the vibration machine; easily placing a fixture, with a unit under test attached, on the adapter plate; and evacuating the volume between the adapter plate and the fixture to create a holding force therebetween sufficient to hold the fixture to the adapter plate during vibration testing.