Antenna Reliability Testing - Swing Test!

　　Antenna swing testing is a test method used to evaluate the mechanical performance and reliability of antenna structures under dynamic loads. It is primarily used in communications, radar, aerospace, and other fields. The following is a detailed description of this test:

　　Test Purpose

　　Structural Strength Verification: Ensures that the antenna does not break or deform under conditions such as strong winds, moving platforms (such as ships, vehicles, and aircraft), or mechanical vibration.

　　Connector Reliability: Checks the tightness of bolts and welds connecting the antenna to brackets, turntables, and other locations.

　　Dynamic Performance Evaluation: Verifies that the antenna can maintain electrical performance (such as signal stability and pointing accuracy) under swing conditions.

　　Life Test: Simulates the fatigue effects of long-term, repetitive swing on antenna materials.

　　Test Method: Laboratory Simulation Test

　　Swing Table Test: Mounts the antenna on a programmable swing table and simulates periodic swings of varying frequencies and amplitudes (e.g., ±30°, 0.1-1 Hz).

　　Vibration Table Test: Simulates complex operating conditions through random or sinusoidal vibration (such as those specified in GB/T 2423).

　　Wind tunnel testing: Combines airflow to simulate oscillation under wind loads.

　　Field testing

　　Real-world monitoring: Sensors are installed in real-world environments, such as ship decks and vehicle-mounted platforms, to record oscillation data.

　　Wind load observation: Anemometers and high-speed cameras are used to record the antenna's oscillation amplitude in strong winds.

　　Key parameters:

　　Oscillation angle: Typically set based on the application scenario (e.g., a ship antenna may require testing within ±45°).

　　Frequency range: Low frequencies (0.1-5 Hz) simulate mechanical motion, while high frequencies (5-50 Hz) simulate vibration.

　　Duration: Several to hundreds of hours, depending on the test standard (e.g., MIL-STD-810G).

　　Load conditions: Static load (self-weight), dynamic load (wind pressure, inertia).

　　Test standards: International standards: IEC 60068-2-6 (vibration), MIL-STD-167 (mechanical vibration of marine equipment).

　　Industry standard: ETSI EN 300 019 (environmental adaptability of communications equipment).

　　Company Standards: Some manufacturers may set stricter internal standards (e.g., a 5x safety factor).

　　Common Problems and Solutions

　　Structural Resonance: Adjust the antenna support structure through modal analysis.

　　Loose Bolts: Use lock washers or thread sealant to secure.

　　Material Fatigue: Use high-strength aluminum alloys or composite materials.

　　Degraded Electrical Performance: Check the feeder connector for loose contact due to swinging.

　　Test Equipment Examples

　　Electric or hydraulic swing stages (e.g., Team Corporation products)

　　Accelerometers and strain gauges (measure local stress)

　　Laser displacement sensors (non-contact monitoring of swing amplitude)