Ex-Naval Officer to Ex-Army Senior Leader explains TÜV SÜD’s expertise in safety testing

At TÜV SÜD, we have a unique perspective to testing, inspecting, and certifying. We push boundaries to enhance safety and make cost-efficient decisions for our customers. Collaboration is key; we work together with our clients, ensuring they trust our evaluations and that their equipment is safe.  

To accommodate larger-scale equipment, particularly for heavy vehicles including military equipment, we have added to our suite of vibration testing capabilities by introducing a state-of-the-art 350 kN system in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This system now stands as the most substantial automotive capability in the United States. Paired with a generously sized AGREE chamber, TÜV SÜD is exceptionally equipped to meet the vibration specifications for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery packs of all sizes across the industry. 

To provide expert insight into our new vibration testing capabilities, we spoke with former United States Army Sergeant Major, Harrington Henry. Currently serving as a Senior Boiler and Machinery Consultant with ARISE, a subgroup of TÜV SÜD, Henry emphasized the critical role of testing in ensuring public safety, particularly in practical use and in the field. 

"The stakes are high; a failure to adhere to the code could lead to catastrophic events," highlighted Henry, underscoring his role as the last line of defense before equipment goes into operation. 

Henry, who after his military service, worked for the state of New Jersey and obtained credentials as a Commission inspector, said testing matters because equipment does not operate in isolation.   

“Individuals interact with these machines, and the potential risks are significant,” he said. “Testing does not eliminate risk entirely, but it helps prove that the product is safe in a controlled setting, mimicking its natural environment. We strive to think of all scenarios and work with manufacturers to mitigate risks.” 

TÜV SÜD’S EXPERTISE IN VIBRATION TESTING  

During vibration testing, our experts conduct real-time laboratory-controlled tests based on the rigorous methods employed in proving grounds. This approach allows us to establish a robust correlation between simulated part-life and real-world performance, producing high-certainty and repeatable results.   

Choose TÜV SÜD for unparalleled reliability, precision, and a comprehensive suite of vibration systems that set the industry standard. Trust us to raise the bar for your testing standards. Partner with us and experience the future of automotive innovation.  

Read more here about our range of vibration testing for large scale equipment: 350 kN Electro-Dynamic Vibrational Table