ASTM D4728 Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers

ASTM D4728 – Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers. Vibration is found in every type of transit channel. Vibration can cause damage to all components of shipping containers including the closure and most importantly, the product. This test method is used in ASTM D4169 and is imperative when confirming a design to ensure its ability to perform as intended.

According to astm.org, ” Significance and Use

4.1 Shipping containers are exposed to complex dynamic stresses in the distribution environment. Approximating the actual damage, or lack of damage, experienced in real life may require subjecting the container and its contents to random vibration tests. In this way, many product and container resonances are simultaneously excited.

4.2 Resonance buildups during random vibration tests are less intense than during sinusoidal resonance dwell or sweep tests. Therefore, unrealistic fatigue damage due to resonance buildup is minimized.

4.3 Random vibration tests should be based on representative field data. When possible, confidence levels may be improved by comparing laboratory test results with actual field shipment effects. Refer to Practice D4169 for recommended random vibration tests. (See Appendix X1 and Appendix X2 for related information.)

4.4 There is no direct equivalence between random vibration tests and sinusoidal vibration tests. Equivalent tests between sine and random, in a general sense, are difficult to set up due to nonlinearities, damping and product response characteristics.

4.5 Vibration exposure affects the shipping container, its interior packing, means of closure, and contents. This test allows analysis of the interaction between these components. Design modification to one or all these components may be used to achieve best performance in the shipping environment.

4.6 Random vibration tests may be simultaneously performed with transient or periodic data to simulate known stresses of this type, that is, rail joints, potholes, etc.

4.7 Random vibration may be conducted in any axis (vertical or horizontal) or in any package orientation. However, different test levels may be used for each axis depending on the field environment that is to be simulated.

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the random vibration testing of filled shipping units. Such tests may be used to assess the performance of a container with its interior packing and means of closure in terms of its ruggedness and the protection that it supplies the contents when subjected to random vibration inputs.

1.2 This test method supplies guidance in the development and use of vibration data in the testing of shipping containers.

NOTE 1: Sources of supplementary information are listed in the Reference section (1-11).2.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to set up proper safety, health, and environmental practices and decide the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific safety hazard statements are given in Section 6.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.”