The Structural Dynamics Laboratory, or SDL, performs tests to verify the survivability of a component or assembly when exposed to vibration stress screening or a controlled simulation of the actual flight or service vibration environment.
Environmental stress screening, or workmanship vibration, is used to identify latent manufacturing defects of components before they are incorporated into larger assemblies. Vibration testing is also used to verify design margins of assemblies and to characterize the internal dynamic responses of a test article.
The Microgravity Emissions Laboratory (MEL), is a part of the Structural Dynamics Laboratory which provides testing support for simulation and verification of the Space Station microgravity environment. Together, the labs combine environmental, modal, and characterization work in one facility.
