Introduction: Why MIL-STD-167-2A Matters In the world of naval engineering and defense contracting, standards are not just suggestions—they are the backbone of system reliability. For equipment destined for U.S. Navy ships and submarines, one of the most referenced—and most misunderstood—documents is MIL-STD-167-2A .
The standard requires rigid mounting to the shaker head. You must use a fixture that replicates the ship’s deck stiffness. Do not use rubber isolators during the test.
The 0.030 inches requirement is double amplitude (peak-to-peak). If you mistake this for 0.030 inches peak, you will under-test by 50%. Your shaker displacement will be half of what is required.
This article provides everything you need: a detailed breakdown of the standard, practical advice on obtaining a legitimate copy of the MIL-STD-167-2A PDF, and tips for compliance. MIL-STD-167-2A is a United States military standard titled: "Vibration, Shock, and Noise (Shipboard Equipment) – Part 2: Vibration (Except Rolling and Pitching)."