Dynamic Structural Simulation of the SAE J577 Vibration Test

Most automotive lighting components must survive testing on the SAE J577 vibration testing machine. This test subjects the lamp to a periodic impact while attached to the testing apparatus. Failure to pass this test means that the lamp cannot be supplied to the customer. The intent of this document is to show how the vibration that occurs during this testing can be simulated using finite element analysis (FEA).

FEA is a very efficient way of proving designs and concepts without building expensive prototypes. A method of characterizing the loads that are applied by the SAE J577 test machine will be presented. These loads can then be applied to a finite element model to simulate the actual test. As with all simulations, it is paramount to properly correlate the simulation to prove the methodology. Correlation method and data will be provided as part of proving the simulation methodology.