Sensors facilities in MS
2 facilities
Controlled Archaeological Test Site (CATS)
Vicksburg, MS
CATS facility is at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), Champaign, IL. This 1-acre test site includes a variety of subsurface features carefully designed to simulate phenomena and materials commonly encountered at prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. Test features simulate postholes, pits, hearths, house floors, burials, earthen embankments, etc. Other targets include bricks, concrete blocks, and (in a restricted area) metal objects. The precise location, depth, dimensions, and position of each object and feature have been recorded, mapped, and photographed. A geophysical survey was conducted before test site construction to ensure that no unknown features were present.
Triaxial Earthquake and Shock Simulator (TESS)
Vicksburg, MS
CERL operates the TESS, a unique dual-mode shock and vibration test facility, which, in its biaxial mode, simulates a wide range of transient shock vibrations typical of military applications requiring large accelerations over a wide frequency range with moderately heavy test specimens. In the triaxial mode, it can simulate a variety of vibration environments including earthquakes and random vibrations, as well as log-sweep and resonant searches. In this mode, the TESS can test larger specimens over larger displacement ranges more typical of seismic vibrations. The table below lists the performance parameters for the two test modes. The TESS combines a high payload capability with a broad frequency range, high acceleration performance, a wide displacement range, and simultaneous, independent control of up to three axes of vibration. Biaxial performance is rated with a 12,000 pound payload, and the triaxial performance with a 120,000 pound payload. Larger payloads can be tested at lower acceleration levels, while smaller payloads can be tested at up to twice the rated accelerations.