Modular vibration system

A method of subjecting a specimen to vibration, comprising the steps of:

• providing a shaker module having an actuator mounted thereon;
• providing a fixture module and a coupling module, the coupling module being separable from at least one of the fixture module and the shaker module;
• attaching the specimen to the fixture module;
• clamping the coupling module between the shaker module and the fixture module by application of a substantially constant clamping force;
• applying an impact force from the actuator to the shaker module;
• and
• coupling a vibration from the shaker module to the specimen through the coupling module and fixture module.

A method of subjecting a specimen to vibration, comprising the steps of:

• providing a shaker module having an actuator mounted thereon;
• providing a fixture module;
• attaching the specimen to the fixture module;
• removably clamping the fixture module to the shaker module by application of a substantially constant clamping force;
• applying an impact force from the actuator to the shaker module;
• and
• coupling a vibration from the shaker module to the specimen through the fixture module.

A method of subjecting a specimen to vibration, comprising the steps of:

• providing a shaker module having an actuator mounted thereon;
• separably clamping the shaker module to, and supporting the shaker module by, the specimen;
• applying an impact force from the actuator to the shaker module;
• and
• applying a vibration from the shaker module to the specimen.

A modular vibration system, for subjecting a specimen to vibration, comprising:

• a shaker module having an actuator mounted thereon, said actuator for applying an impact force to said shaker module;
• a fixture module;
• a coupling module, clamped between said shaker module and said fixture module;
• and
• means for removably clamping said fixture module to said shaker module with substantially constant force.