Engineering summary
QuakeLogic delivered its magnetic-linear-motor Ironcore bi-axial shake table and a 6-story plexiglass model to the University of Washington for structural dynamics teaching and research.
In short: QuakeLogic delivered its Ironcore Bi-Axial Shake Table to the University of Washington, a two-axis earthquake simulator driven by frictionless magnetic linear motors that deliver ±2 g at 50 kg (±1 g at 100 kg), ±125 mm stroke and up to 15 Hz under closed-loop PID control. A 6-story modular plexiglass model structure accompanies it so students can watch real-time structural response during simulated earthquakes.
QuakeLogic is proud to deliver its next-generation Ironcore Bi-Axial Shake Table to the University of Washington—powered by magnetic linear motors, making it the quietest, most precise, and most efficient biaxial shake table on the market today.
This state-of-the-art system joins an elite lineup, including a recent deployment at CALTECH, and is designed to elevate seismic education and research across leading academic institutions.
To further enhance the hands-on learning experience in structural dynamics, we also provided a 6-story modular plexiglass model structure. This tool enables students to directly observe and analyze real-time structural behavior under simulated earthquake loading, making abstract theory visible and tangible.
Key Features of the IRONCORE Bi-Axial Shake Table:
👉 Bi-Axial Motion – Two lateral degrees of freedom for complex seismic testing
👉 High Capacity – ±2g acceleration at 50 kg (or ±1g at 100 kg), ±125 mm stroke, up to 15 Hz frequency
👉 Magnetic Linear Motors – Frictionless, ultra-quiet, and low-maintenance performance
👉 Closed-Loop PID Control – Precision motion tracking and waveform fidelity
👉 Versatile Inputs – Supports both standard and custom seismic waveforms
👉 Plug & Play – Easy setup, operation, and industrial-grade reliability
👉 EASYTEST Software – Streamlined test setup, real-time monitoring, and data analysis
- Built to advance education.
- Designed to accelerate research.
- Engineered for real-world seismic simulation.
Learn more about the Ironcore system:
👉 https://www.quakelogic.net/_small-scale-shaketables/biaxial-iron-core
Browse our full catalog of small-scale shake tables:
👉 https://quakelogic.net/small-scale-shaketable-catalog
Need something larger?
We also design, deliver, and install large-scale shake tables, actuators, Universal Testing Machines (UTMs), loading frames, and custom lab equipment for civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering programs.
📩 Let’s talk about your lab’s needs: sales@quakelogic.net
📞 Or schedule a live demo: +1-916-899-0391
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#QuakeLogic #CivilEngineering #ResearchLab #StructuralEngineering
#LabEquipment #MagneticMotors #STEMEducation #ModernTesting
#InnovationInEducation #HandsOnLearning
Key Takeaways
- Ironcore performance: ±2 g at 50 kg or ±1 g at 100 kg payload, ±125 mm stroke, frequencies up to 15 Hz.
- Magnetic linear motors make the table frictionless, ultra-quiet and low-maintenance compared with belt or hydraulic drives.
- Closed-loop PID control and EASYTEST software handle test setup, real-time monitoring, and standard or custom seismic waveforms.
- A 6-story modular plexiglass model structure lets students observe real-time structural behavior under shaking.
- The same Ironcore system was recently deployed at Caltech.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ironcore Bi-Axial Shake Table provides two lateral degrees of freedom with ±2 g acceleration at a 50 kg payload or ±1 g at 100 kg, a ±125 mm stroke in each axis and a frequency range up to 15 Hz. It is driven by magnetic linear motors under closed-loop PID control, accepts standard and custom seismic waveforms, and is operated through EASYTEST software.
Magnetic linear motors move the table platform directly without belts, ball screws or hydraulic fluid, so there is no mechanical friction or backlash in the drive. In the Ironcore system this makes the table the quietest and most precise biaxial shake table in its class, improves waveform fidelity under PID control, and reduces maintenance because there are no wearing drive components or hydraulic power units.
The 6-story modular plexiglass model is a scaled building frame mounted on the shake table so students can see floor displacements, mode shapes and resonance as the table replays earthquake motions. Because it is modular, instructors can change story stiffness or mass and compare the response, turning structural dynamics theory into an observable experiment.
The University of Washington received the Ironcore Bi-Axial Shake Table in 2025, joining a recent deployment at Caltech. Both installations are intended for seismic education and research in structural dynamics. QuakeLogic also supplies large-scale shake tables, actuators, universal testing machines and loading frames for civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering programs that need higher capacity.
The Ironcore table is a small-scale educational and research system rated for payloads of about 50 kg at ±2 g and 100 kg at ±1 g, which suits scaled building models, equipment components and instrumentation tests. Laboratories that need to test full-size structural elements or multi-ton payloads can move up to QuakeLogic's large-scale shake tables and actuator systems.
Related Articles
Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.
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Topic cluster
Related engineering knowledge areas
- Earthquake EngineeringSeismic hazard, ground motion, structural response, fragility, and resilience guidance.
- Structural Health MonitoringMonitoring for bridges, buildings, dams, tunnels, industrial facilities, and resilient infrastructure.
- Earthquake Early WarningOn-site detection, alerting workflows, seismic switches, and critical infrastructure warning systems.
- Infrasound MonitoringLow-frequency acoustic sensing for environmental noise, blast, UAV, volcano, and defense applications.
Definitions and references
Terms, standards, and source cues
- seismic hazard: related to Earthquake Engineering in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- ground motion: related to Earthquake Engineering in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- SHM: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- damage detection: related to Structural Health Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- earthquake early warning: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- seismic switch: related to Earthquake Early Warning in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- infrasound sensors: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- low-frequency noise: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
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