Qualification testing is critical to mission success, but traditional vibration test methods can lead to overtesting, hardware damage, and costly delays.
The Quartus Force-Limited Vibration Fixture (FLVT) is a ready-to-deploy, plug-and-play force-limited vibration testing system that limits loads in real time to protect sensitive spacecraft and hardware. Built as a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, FLVT combines precision mechanics, integrated electronics, and standardized interfaces for consistent, repeatable results across aerospace, defense, and advanced hardware programs.
Overtesting is one of the most expensive and avoidable risks in vibration qualification.
- Simpler acceleration-based random vibration tests often create unrealistic force loading.
- Standard force-limited vibration testing (FLVT) methods reduce risk but typically require custom engineering, costly integration, and expert tuning.
- Many teams lack resources or access to a fixture capable of real-time force and moment summation.
Quartus developed FLVT to remove these barriers, bringing reliable, configurable, and affordable force limiting to any test environment.
With Quartus FLVT, teams can conduct force-limited vibration testing quickly and confidently without custom integration or specialized electronics.
The Quartus FLVT integrates mechanical, electrical, and analytical innovation into a single deployable system. Designed from the ground up for simplicity and reliability, it arrives pre-calibrated and ready to operate — no custom engineering required.
Leverage our COTS solution for an accelerated development of a custom solution to meet your needs.
- Standardized mechanical fixture:
- Pre-assembled and pre-torqued with easy-lift handles and a mass/stiffness profile meeting NASA HDBK 7004.
- Adaptable clamp band interfaces in 15″, 24″, and 36″ configurations supporting 3/8″ and 1/2″ bolt patterns (custom options available).
- Integrated signal processing box:
- Proprietary electronics perform real-time force and moment summation from up to four high-load tri-axial load cells.
- BNC outputs (3-forces/3-moments) compatible with standard DAQs and controllers.
- 120V operation with complete wiring, documentation, and user manual for true plug-and-play setup.
- Calibration & digital delivery:
- Delivered with full calibration protocol, FEM model for correlation, and sample test plan.
- Comprehensive documentation ensures confidence and traceability.
The Quartus Force-Limited Vibration Fixture is the industry’s first COTS force-limited vibration solution.
Quartus’ Force-Limited Vibration Fixture is engineered to support NASA protocols and adaptable to multiple interface diameters and fastener patterns. Trusted by top small satellite, aerospace, and advanced hardware teams, FLVT has demonstrated proven performance through peer-reviewed correlation studies and successful qualification of flight hardware.
Quartus’ Force-Limited Vibration Fixture is a reliable, deployable, and scalable solution that keeps your hardware safe and your program on track.
Prevent overtest and protect critical hardware from unnecessary stress.
Achieve traceable, quantitative test results that correlate with FEM and flight loads.
Reduce schedule, labor, and cost by eliminating custom fixture development.
Simplify compliance — satisfy NASA and industry requirements with a validated, documented approach.