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ISO-Base™ Seismic Isolation Platform
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Effects of Seismic Vibrations on Disk Drives

The following data indicates that during seismic activity with peak accelerations exceeding 0.5g the drives would be subject to forces that could cause permanent damage and loss of readable data.
Manufacturer's Model #
Max. g / Operating
Max. g /
Non-Operating
Frequency Range
DEC - Alpha Server - #8200
-0.5 g (f@0.01)
0.5 g - 1.0 g
2-22 hz/ 22-500 hz
DEC - Alpha Server - #4100
1.0 g
N / A
10-500 hz
DEC - RZ 26 Drive Unit
0.2 g
N / A
5 hz / 5-22 hz
DEC - RZ 28 Drive Unit
0.5 g (f@0.01)
0.5 g
5-22 hz
DEC - RZ 29 Drive Unit
0.5 g (f@0.04)
0.5 g
58-22 hz / 5-400 hz
       
HP - Model 20 Drive Unit
0.25g
N / A
5-2000 hz
HP - Enterprise 9000
0.2-0.5 g
0.5 g - 1.0 g
5-500 hz
       
SGI - Origin Fibre Vault
0.25 g
N / A
5-2000 hz
       
SUN - Class III Drive
0.25 g (all axis)
1.0 g (all axis)
5-500 hz
 

Vibration Test Spectrum

The lower part of the test spectrum includes frequencies found in the upper part of the earthquake spectrum. The above testing was designed to determine forces at higher frequencies.

Earthquake Test Spectrum

The low frequency forces generated by seismic waves (s) are generally more destructive than higher frequency vibrations due to their longer periods generated with larger amplitudes.

UBC Codes -

Chapter 16 / Expected Ground Motions - Seismic Zone 4

The following figures represent ground acceleration. The design consideration for structures require that this number be multiplied by as much as 2.5 times for structural force amplification.

Rock - 0.6 X 2.5 = 1.50 g

Stiff Soil - 0.66 X 2.5 = 1.65 g

The above should be used as a baseline for evaluation purposes. Keep in mind that "g" forces will be amplified by soil conditions, (as within areas of liquefaction), by a structures' design, and by equipment frame design.

For more information regarding how our seismic base isolation technology can help you achieve the ultimate in seismic protection contact your local WorkSafe Technologies representative.

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