What it is

Family Type 8743A are quartz shock accelerometers for measuring impulse, impact, and pyrotechnic shock.

The Kistler 8743A is a quartz shear shock accelerometer for impulse, impact, and pyrotechnic shock from ±5,000 to ±100,000 g. It has a nominal mounted resonant frequency of 100 kHz and a 1 … 10,000 Hz (±7%) frequency response, extending to 0.5 Hz on the ±100,000 g range. Its welded case and integral 10-32 stud couple it rigidly to the test structure.

• Five ranges: ±5,000, ±10,000, ±20,000, ±50,000, and ±100,000 g
• Resonant frequency: 100 kHz mounted, nominal
• Frequency response: 1 … 10,000 Hz (±7%); 0.5 … 10,000 Hz on the 8743A100
• Quartz shear element: quartz does not depolarize under high shock
• Low transverse sensitivity: 1.5% nominal, 5% max.
• Low-impedance voltage output: <100 Ω, ±5 V full scale
• Shock rated: up to 120,000 gpk (1 ms pulse) on the 8743A100
• Conforming to CE
• Export control: ranges above ±50,000 g are ITAR restricted

What it is used for

Some of the use cases for the 8743A include:

• High-g shock tests — with metal-to-metal impacts
• Pyrotechnic shock — mid-to-far field measurements
• Impulse and impact shock — on rigidly coupled test structures

Main features / advantages

What does the 8743A measure?

The 8743A family are quartz shock accelerometers for measuring impulse, impact, and pyrotechnic shock.

The sensing element contained within this shock accelerometer series features a unique shear-mode, four-quartz-crystal configuration combined with an annular preload sleeve and seismic mass. The element design provides a high 100 kHz resonance frequency, ensuring accurate measurement of high-speed events with zero shift and internal amplifier saturation virtually eliminated. These shock sensors exhibit insensitivity to thermal transients with extremely low transverse and base strain sensitivity. Using quartz as the sensing material adds a valuable performance benefit, because quartz will not depolarize if exposed to high shock. The case isolated option uses a patented technique that ensures high resonant frequency while providing electrical isolation.

An internal microelectronic Piezotron signal conditioning circuit converts the charge developed in the quartz element into a usable high-level voltage output at low impedance, giving high immunity to noise and insensitivity to cable motion.

Why engineers pick it

• Up to ±100,000 g. The 8743A100 measures to ±100,000 g with a ±110,000 gpk acceleration limit and a 120,000 gpk shock rating.
• Quartz survives the shock. Quartz will not depolarize when exposed to high shock.
• No zero shift. The shear-mode, four-crystal element with 100 kHz resonance virtually eliminates zero shift and internal amplifier saturation.
• Low noise into long cables. The low-impedance output (<100 Ω) gives high immunity to noise and insensitivity to cable motion.

Which 8743A range do I need?

Choose the lowest range that covers the expected peak. Each step up in range lowers sensitivity and raises the threshold.

How is the 8743A mounted?

The 8743A attaches with its integral 10-32 UNF-2A stud, tightened to 18 ±2 lbf·in. The mounting surface must be clean and flat.

The measuring chain is a Type 1761B… sensor cable (10-32 pos. to BNC pos.), a Type 51… power supply/signal conditioner, and a Type 1511 BNC output cable.

When is the 8743A the wrong choice?

• Low-level vibration. With a threshold of 0.13 grms on the most sensitive range and sensitivity of 1 mV/g or less, the 8743A is built for high-g shock, not general vibration.
• Near-field pyroshock. The 8743A is intended for mid-to-far field pyrotechnic measurements.
• Long-duration signals. Time constants are ≥0.5 s (≥1 s on the 8743A100).

Configure and order the 8743A

Choose the 8743A range and cable your test needs and order directly on this page. For questions, contact us.