Static Vs Dynamic Testing

Static and dynamic testing are two physical methods of determining how much of a load a material can take before it reaches the point of failure. The data revealed by these tests can be very useful in working out how well the component will react to a whole variety of stressors, and they should be part of any comprehensive QA process.  

So, should you be carrying out static or dynamic testing, or both? Read on to find out.  

What’s the difference between static and dynamic testing?

While there are similarities in the testing process, there are some crucial differences between static and dynamic testing. 

Static testing 

Static testing can also sometimes be called low speed testing and is generally carried out at one hertz or lower. The material is mechanically loaded up until the point it reaches a pre-determined deformation level or the point at which the sample completely fails.  

Static testing is typically used to predict how a material will react to pressure over a long period of time.  

Dynamic testing  

Dynamic testing subjects a material to a destructive force, typically at a high velocity, to assess how it behaves. The components may be part of a short or long testing cycle, to measure and predict fatigue and sample failure over a long period of time.  

Dynamic testing is typically used to see how components will behave in reaction to short-term, high-speed stressors.  

What other differences are there between static and dynamic testing?  

The difference between static and dynamic testing is not only to do with the speed the material is subjected to a load. It’s also in the kind of parameters and test variables, including things like strain cycles and displacement amplitudes.  

The complementary nature of static and dynamic testing

The very fact that static and dynamic methods each have a different approach to testing the attributes of a component means that there is a complementary relationship between them. A QA process that involved both static and dynamic testing is particularly robust and more likely to identify potential failure points or weaknesses.  

For a good predictive program, and access to information about how any particular component will behave when subjected to daily stressors, it can be a good idea to make sure you have both dynamic and static testing as part of your process.  

Discover static testing tools with United Testing Systems 

Static cycle testing can be carried out with our Universal Test Machines (UTM) from United Testing Systems. United are one of our trusted brands, offering high quality machines that are highly customizable. Their UTMs are designed to perform static tension, compression, and materials testing applications. They also offer data sampling rates up to 1000 Hz as standard. 

Browse our full range of test and inspect solutions from United or have a look at their range of UTMs, UTM accessories and software.  

Choose United Testing Systems with Industrial Physics

Combining our own many years of experience with the expertise of United testing Systems means you’re in safe hands. Our specialists can help you find the most suitable solution for any QA process and we’re happy to support you at all stages – from the first research and development phase to putting the final touches on your process. If you’d like to find out more about static testing solutions from United Testing System, get in touch.