After first clarifying what mechanical shock is and why we measure it,
basic requirements are provided for all measurement systems that
process transient signals. High- and low-frequency dynamic models for
the measuring accelerometer are presented and justified. These models
are then used to investigate accelerometer responses to mechanical
shock. The results enable “rules of thumb” to be developed for shock
data assessment and proper accelerometer selection. Other helpful
considerations for measuring mechanical shock are also provided.