The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) maintains the official Acquisition Streamlining and Standardization Information System (ASSIST).
When you finally open your mil-std-167-2a pdf, you will find detailed test curves. Here are the critical performance requirements you must program into your shaker table.
| Document | Relevance | |----------|------------| | MIL-STD-810H (Method 514.8) | Vibration for non-shipboard DoD equipment (not a substitute for 167-2A on ships). | | MIL-STD-901D | Shock testing (heavyweight / lightweight) – often required alongside 167. | | MIL-STD-461G | EMI/EMC – shipboard equipment also needs this. |
The most common question engineers ask after downloading a "mil-std-167-2a pdf" is: "Can I use MIL-STD-810 instead?"
The answer is no for naval procurement. Here is the difference:
| Feature | MIL-STD-167-2A | MIL-STD-810H (Method 514) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Primary Environment | Navy Shipboard (Surface & Submarine) | General Military (Ground, Air, Sea) | | Frequency Range | 2 Hz to 50 Hz (often extended to 200 Hz) | 5 Hz to 500 Hz+ | | Duration | 2 hours per axis (Typically) | 1 hour per axis (Typical) | | Key Focus | Low-frequency, high-displacement vibration from hull flex | Broadband transport and operational vibration | | Contractual Use | Mandatory for Navy shipboard equipment | Optional unless specified by Navy |
If your contract references NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command), you must use MIL-STD-167-2A. mil-std-167-2a pdf
If you are tasked with validating equipment against MIL-STD-167-2A, follow these engineering best practices:
Q: Is MIL-STD-167-2A still active?
A: Yes, it remains an active standard for shipboard equipment vibration immunity.
Q: Can I use MIL-STD-167-2A for airborne electronics?
A: No. Aircraft vibration is higher frequency and lower displacement; use MIL-STD-810H, Method 514.8.
Q: Does the standard include random vibration testing?
A: No. MIL-STD-167-2A specifies sine wave sweep and dwell testing. Random vibration is covered elsewhere (e.g., NAVSEA specifications for submarine silencing).
Q: Where can I find the latest version of the PDF for free?
A: Visit the ASSIST Quick Search website (quicksearch.dla.mil) and enter "MIL-STD-167-2A". No login is required for unclassified standards.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified naval engineering authority and the most current official DoD documentation before conducting formal qualification testing. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) maintains the official
MIL-STD-167-2A is a United States military standard that establishes the requirements for the mechanical vibrations of naval shipboard equipment. Specifically, Revision A (dated May 21, 1992) focuses on reciprocating machinery , propulsion systems, and shafting. Key Overview of MIL-STD-167-2A MIL-STD-167-1A
, which primarily covers general environmental and internally excited vibrations for all equipment, MIL-STD-167-2A is specialized for heavy machinery and propulsion. Primary Scope
: Covers internally excited and externally imposed vibrations for propulsion-related hardware. Vibration Types Covered
: Torsional vibrations from reciprocating machinery and propulsion systems. : Longitudinal vibrations in propulsion systems. : Lateral vibrations in propulsion systems.
: To ensure consistency in procurement specifications and ensure that critical naval equipment can withstand the harsh dynamic conditions at sea. Testing & Acceptance Criteria
The standard provides detailed procedures for analyzing and testing equipment to prevent catastrophic fatigue failure. Analysis Coverage The most common question engineers ask after downloading
: Includes torque across gears, stresses within and below operating speed ranges, and simulated installation tests. Acceptance Limits
: Defines specific amplitude and frequency limits (typically from 5 to 1500 cycles per second) to verify that vibrations do not degrade performance or safety. Corrective Measures
: Guidance on conducting vibration measurement and control to mitigate excessive alternating thrust. Where to Find the PDF
You can access and verify the latest status of this document through official and reputable military specification repositories: MIL-STD-167: Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard Equipment
MIL-STD-167, or the Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard Equipment, is a military standard the United States Department of Defense ( Isolation Dynamics Corp.
The DoD has been moving toward performance-based specifications and the adoption of commercial standards (e.g., IEC 60068-2-6 for vibration) for non-critical applications. However, MIL-STD-167-2A remains firmly in place for shipboard-critical systems. A potential update (167-2B) would likely include:
For now, engineers should continue to reference the MIL-STD-167-2A PDF as the authoritative source.
The standard mandates a resonance search before and after the endurance test. If natural frequencies of components (circuit boards, relays, brackets) fall within the operating range, they must withstand 30-minute resonance dwells.