A microshutter-based field selector for JWST's multi-object near infrared spectrograph

PCT No. PCT/EP92/00401 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 28, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 28, 1994 PCT Filed Feb. 26, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/15856 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 17, 1992.A method of dynamically testing the functionality of a multi-part specimen comprises the steps of applying a predetermined reproducible shock loading to one part of the specimen and measuring the resulting shock load both at the point of application on said one part and at at least one point on another part of the specimen. Said measured shock loads are also recorded. Apparatus for carrying out this method comprises a drop carriage with means for coupling to one part of the specimen, and at least one acceleration transducer for attachment to the drop carriage and also to at least one part of the test specimen. The apparatus thus produces reproducible shocks up to 40,000 g to enable the structural optimization of severely shock-loaded articles such seat-belt buckles and their functionality both during and after the shock-loading to be demonstrated.