Systems and methods for optimizing drop test configurations

A method for conducting a drop test of an article with one or more target parameters, the method comprising:

• dropping the article and a drop carriage of a drop tower from an initial height with respect to a base of the drop tower for an initial drop test, wherein the article is coupled to the drop carriage;
• detecting accelerometer data with respect to the article for an initial impact of the initial drop test between the drop carriage and the base of the drop tower;
• determining a constant energy balance curve for at least one of a complex stiffness or a total weight of the article and the drop carriage with respect to a pulse duration of the initial impact, the complex stiffness being for at least one of the drop carriage or the base of the drop tower;
• determining, based on the constant energy balance curve and a target pulse duration, at least one of a target complex stiffness or a target total weight for the article and the drop carriage;
• adjusting, based on the target complex stiffness or the target total weight, the at least one of the complex stiffness or the total weight for a subsequent drop test;
• and
• conducting the subsequent drop test after adjusting the at least one of the complex stiffness or the total weight for the subsequent drop test.