ISO 10846-4:2003

Overview

ISO 10846-4:2003 - "Acoustics and vibration - Laboratory measurement of vibro-acoustic transfer properties of resilient elements - Part 4" defines laboratory methods to measure the dynamic transfer stiffness of resilient elements other than resilient supports (e.g., bellows, shaft couplings, power cables, hoses, pipe hangers). The standard specifies two measurement approaches (the direct method and the indirect method), applicable to elements with flat flanges or clamp interfaces. Elements filled with liquids are excluded. Results support product information, design, quality control and vibration-transfer calculations.

Key topics and requirements

• Measured quantity: dynamic transfer stiffness (complex ratio of blocking force to input displacement), including loss factor and frequency-averaged stiffness.
• Methods
  • Direct method: measures input motion and blocking output force directly. Frequency range typically from 1 Hz up to the frame resonance of the test rig (often ~300 Hz for ~1 m rigs).
  • Indirect method: measures transmissibility with a known mass on the output; typical range from ~20–50 Hz up to 2–5 kHz depending on setup and specimen.
• Specimen geometry: flat flanges or flat clamp interfaces; flanges need not be parallel. Measurements cover normal and transverse translations; Annex A guides rotatory components.
• Test rig and instrumentation: requirements for test arrangements, suppression of unwanted vibrations, accelerometer and force-transducer selection, signal summation and analyzers. Criteria for adequacy of the test arrangement and frequency limits are defined.
• Procedures & evaluation: installation, preload (where appropriate), source signal, linearity checks, evaluation methods for direct and indirect results, presentation in narrow-band and one-third-octave-band formats.
• Reporting: information to record and content required in the test report to support reproducibility and product data.

Applications and users

Who uses ISO 10846-4:

• Acoustic and vibration test laboratories performing vibro-acoustic laboratory measurements
• Manufacturers and suppliers of resilient components (bellows, couplings, hangers, cables) for product datasheets and quality control
• Design and product development engineers calculating vibration transmission and selecting isolation elements
• Marine, automotive, HVAC and building services engineers assessing structure-borne sound paths Practical uses include product characterization, comparing design variants, establishing QA limits, and input data for vibration and noise transmission models.

Related standards

• ISO 10846 series (Parts 1–5) - principles and methods for resilient elements and supports
• ISO 7626 (mechanical mobility measurement)
• ISO 2041 (vibration terminology)
• ISO 5348 (accelerometer mounting)
• ISO 16063-21 (calibration of vibration transducers)
• GUM (Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement)

Keywords: ISO 10846-4, dynamic stiffness, vibro-acoustic, resilient elements, direct method, indirect method, blocking force, transmissibility, laboratory measurement, vibration isolation.