Facility 418:  Acoustic Test Chamber Facility

 

Description: The Acoustic Test Facility at the Goddard Space Flight Center tests various sized scientific satellites, subsystems, and components. The facility consists of a reverberant chamber, acoustic horns, noise generators, control console, and a data acquisition system. The chamber can be operated as a class 100,000 clean room once the payload access doors are closed and the facility is cleaned. When required, an anteroom is used for changing into clean garments before entering the facility through the personnel door.

 

Mode of Operation: The spectrum of the desired sound pressure level is programmed into the m+p Acoustic Control System. The payload is either suspended on the crane hook or mounted on a cart, dolly, or other fixture at the center of the chamber. Four to eight control microphones are placed around the payload a minimum of 1.0’ (0.30 m) away.

 

 

Acoustic energy is generated by modulating the flow of GN2 through the generator(s) attached to the horn(s). A fresh air, forced ventilation system stabilizes the chamber pressure during operation of the facility and purges the chamber of GN2 for safe entry after the test.

 

 

Data Acquisition: Instrumentation data is acquired using the modular DATAMAX digital data acquisition system. A large selection of accelerometers are available for instrumenting the test item.

 

Technical Specifications

Max SPL (Empty Chamber)                     150 dB

Horns/Generator                                      25 Hz Exponential /Wyle WAS 3000  

                                                                     50 Hz Hypex/Wyle WAS 3000 (future)

Frequency range                                        25Hz – 10 KHz

Acoustic Media                                           Gaseous Nitrogen

Microphones (4 - 8)                                    0-175 dB

 

Physical Characteristics

Interior                                                         33’ L x 27’ W x 42’ H

Payload Access                                             14’ 11” W x 30’ H

Personnel Door                                             3’ W x 6’ 6” H

Crane Capacity                                              7.5 ton

Test Viewing                                                  CCTV

Instrumentation Booms (2)                         78 channels each

 

Rental Rate:  Inquire