MIL-STD-167 Testing | Element U.S. Space & Defense

MIL-STD-167

MIL-STD-167 is the Department of Defense standard for mechanical vibration of shipboard equipment.

It sets vibration test requirements for equipment installed on Navy ships, covering vibration from the ship environment and vibration generated internally by machinery. The standard is issued in parts, and the contract names the part and type that apply.

Naval Systems & Heavyweight Shock

Center of Excellence

Element U.S. Space & Defense runs shipboard vibration testing to MIL-STD-167 at its Rustburg, VA Center of Excellence, alongside MIL-DTL-901 shock testing.

View Location Related service: Dynamics & Acoustics →

Common Questions

What is MIL-STD-167 testing?

MIL-STD-167 testing checks whether equipment can operate through the vibration it will see aboard a Navy ship. Element U.S. Space & Defense runs this testing at its Rustburg, VA Center of Excellence, typically for programs that also need shipboard shock qualification under MIL-DTL-901.

How is MIL-STD-167 different from MIL-DTL-901?

MIL-STD-167 covers sustained vibration in normal ship operation. MIL-DTL-901 covers short, high-impact shock from underwater explosions. Shipboard equipment is often qualified to both, and Element U.S. Space & Defense runs both at Rustburg, VA, so programs can discuss the two requirements with one team.

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 2?

Part 1 addresses environmental vibration from the ship and internally excited vibration from machinery. Part 2 addresses vibration in propulsion systems and rotating or reciprocating machinery. Your contract names the part that applies. Element U.S. Space & Defense can review that requirement with you when scoping a test.

What are Type I and Type II vibration?

In Part 1, Type I refers to environmental vibration, which comes from the ship and its propulsion. Type II refers to internally excited vibration, which is caused by unbalanced rotating parts in the equipment itself. The procurement specification states which type applies to your hardware and the required test levels.

Which part and type apply to my equipment?

The contract or procurement specification names them. Share it with your request to Element U.S. Space & Defense so the Rustburg team can scope the right test. If the document is unclear, ask your contracting authority, because the requirement depends on the equipment and its shipboard installation.

How do I validate the vibration resistance of shipboard electronics?

Start with the requirements in your specification, then test the hardware in a configuration that represents its installation while monitoring function during exposure. Inspect it afterward for damage or loosened parts. Element U.S. Space & Defense can help plan the monitoring and setup for MIL-STD-167 testing at Rustburg, VA.

Does the equipment need to operate during the test?

Your specification and approved test procedure define the operating condition, and many shipboard programs require the equipment to run and be monitored during vibration. Tell Element U.S. Space & Defense what power, cooling and monitoring your equipment needs, since the Rustburg site offers power distribution and operational support.

How should the equipment be mounted for the test?

Mount the equipment in a way that represents its shipboard installation, including any isolation mounts called for by the requirement or test procedure, because mounting changes the vibration response. Sharing installation details with Element U.S. Space & Defense early helps the Rustburg team plan the correct fixture.

What should I send when requesting a MIL-STD-167 quote?

Send the procurement specification, the part and type called out, weight, dimensions, mounting details, and the operating and monitoring requirements. Giving Element U.S. Space & Defense this information helps the Rustburg team scope the test, plan fixtures and identify whether the program also needs MIL-DTL-901 shock testing.

Is MIL-STD-167 testing at Rustburg accredited?

The Element U.S. Space & Defense Accreditations page does not currently list an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for Rustburg, VA. Contact the team for the current accreditation status and scope for this test before you finalize a test plan that requires a specific accreditation.