ASTM D5487-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Shipping containers and the interior packaging materials are used to protect their contents from the hazards encountered in handling, transportation, and storage. Shock is one of the more troublesome of these hazards. Free-fall drop testing, while easy to perform, often understresses the test specimen by subjecting it to drops which are not perpendicular to the dropping surface.
Note 1: For example, testing has shown that non-perpendicular drops, 2° off perpendicularity, result in 8 % lower acceleration into the test specimen resulting from the impact energy dispersing in several axes.4  
4.1.1 Controlled shock input by shock machines provides a convenient method for evaluating the ability of shipping containers, interior packaging materials, and contents to withstand shocks. Simulated free-fall drop testing of package systems, which have critical elements, has produced good results where the frequency of the shock pulse is at least three times that of the package system's natural frequency.  
4.2 As in most mechanical shock test procedures, fixturing of the package on the shock test machine may have significant influence on the test results. Typically, packages will be firmly held on the table by securing some type of cross member(s) across the top of the package. Care should be taken that any pressure resulting from such fixturing should be minimal, particularly when the container being tested is corrugated or some other similar material.  
4.2.1 In cases where low-acceleration, long-duration responses are anticipated, any fixturing can potentially influence packaged item response and can possibly alter any correlation between this test method and free-fall drop testing. Where such correlation is desired, the package can be tested without it being fixed directly to the table. Note that in such circumstances, the shipping container can vigorously rebound from the table and can, if not otherwise controlled, present a safety problem for operators. Fixing the...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the general procedures of using shock machines to replicate the effects of vertical drops of loaded shipping containers, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2022
• ICS: 55.180.10 - General purpose containers
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5276-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2017) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2016) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D999-08(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3332-99(2010) - Standard Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5276-98(2009) - Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Refers: ASTM D999-08 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D999-07 - Standard Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007

Overview

ASTM D5487-16(2022), titled Standard Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines, is an internationally recognized ASTM standard that establishes procedures for using shock machines to simulate the vertical drop impacts experienced by loaded shipping containers. This standard plays a critical role in packaging, logistics, and transportation sectors by providing a controlled and repeatable method for evaluating the ability of shipping containers and their contents to withstand shock during handling, shipping, and storage.

This test method addresses a key limitation of traditional free-fall drop testing, where non-perpendicular drop angles may result in less severe impacts and therefore insufficient testing of container performance. By using shock machines, ASTM D5487 ensures a precise, perpendicular shock input to better replicate real-world shipping hazards.

Key Topics

• Controlled Shock Simulation: Prescribes the use of shock machines to deliver standardized, repeatable shock pulses to loaded containers, including bags, sacks, and cylindrical containers.
• Test Procedures: Specifies both restrained and unrestrained test methods to address various packaging types and test objectives.
• Significance of Fixturing: Highlights the importance of properly securing test specimens to the shock table, cautioning that excessive restraint or improper fixturing can affect test accuracy, especially with corrugated or flexible containers.
• Data Collection: Requires accurate measurement of shock pulse parameters, impact velocity, and the documentation of damage or failure modes.
• Calibration and Repeatability: Emphasizes the need for regular calibration of test equipment to ensure the reliability of test results.

Applications

The simulated drop test method outlined in ASTM D5487 is widely used in industries where packages are subject to shocks throughout the supply chain. Practical applications include:

• Packaging Development and Validation: Ensuring that new or modified packaging designs adequately protect contents from damaging impacts.
• Quality Control: Verifying ongoing package manufacturing consistency for shipping durability.
• Supply Chain Risk Management: Identifying vulnerability points in packaging systems for fragile or high-value items, reducing the risk of in-transit damage.
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Supporting compliance with national and international packaging regulations and standards for shipping dangerous or sensitive goods.
• Comparative Analysis: Evaluating the performance of different packaging materials or cushioning designs under controlled shock conditions.

Related Standards

ASTM D5487 references and complements several other important standards in the field of packaging and distribution environment testing:

• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D5276: Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
• ASTM D999: Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D3332: Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of Products, Using Shock Machines
• ASTM D4332: Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

These related standards help ensure a comprehensive approach to physical package testing, supporting the development and assessment of shipping containers for global distribution.

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Keywords: ASTM D5487, packaging container drop test, shock machine, simulated drop, shipping container testing, package system evaluation, packaging standards, container shock resistance, packaging test methods, ASTM standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D5487 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Simulated Drop of Loaded Containers by Shock Machines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5487; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.1 This test method covers the general procedures of using
Lot or Process
shock machines to replicate the effects of vertical drops of
loaded shipping containers, cylindrical containers, and bags
3. Terminology
and sacks.
3.1 General terms for packaging and distribution environ-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ments are found in Terminology D996.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 critical element—the most fragile component of the
and are not considered standard.
test specimen.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 shock pulse programmer—a device used to control the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- parameters of the shock pulse and shape of the pulse generated
by the shock test machine.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 shock test machine drop height—the distance through
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
which the carriage of the shock test machine free falls before
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
striking the shock pulse programmer.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.4 velocity—the rate of change of position of a body in a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
specified direction with respect to time, measured in inches per
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
second or metres per second.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Shippingcontainersandtheinteriorpackagingmaterials
2.1 ASTM Standards:
are used to protect their contents from the hazards encountered
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
in handling, transportation, and storage. Shock is one of the
ments
more troublesome of these hazards. Free-fall drop testing,
D999 Test Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Con-
while easy to perform, often understresses the test specimen by
tainers
subjecting it to drops which are not perpendicular to the
D3332 Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of
dropping surface.
Products, Using Shock Machines
NOTE 1—For example, testing has shown that non-perpendicular drops,
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
2° off perpendicularity, result in 8 % lower acceleration into the test
Packaging Components for Testing
specimen resulting from the impact energy dispersing in several axes.
D5276 Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
4.1.1 Controlled shock input by shock machines provides a
Free Fall
convenient method for evaluating the ability of shipping
containers, interior packaging materials, and contents to with-
1 stand shocks. Simulated free-fall drop testing of package
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping systems, which have critical elements, has produced good
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved April 15, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5487 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/D5487-16R22. Robert E. Newton, FragilityAssessment Theory and Test Procedures, U. Naval
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Fiedler, Robert M. and Fanfu Li, A Study of the Effects of Impact Angles on the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Shock Levels Experienced by Packaged Products, MTS Systems Corporation. On
the ASTM website. file at ASTM. Request RR:D10-1008.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5487 − 16 (2022)
results where the frequency of the shock pulse is at least three 5.2.2 Accuracy—Reading to be within 65 % of the actual
times that of the package system’s natural frequency. value.
5.2.3 Cross-Axis Sensitivity—Less than 5 % of the actual
4.2 As in most mechanical shock test procedures, fixturing
value.
of the package on the shock test machine may have significant
5.2.4 Velocity—Instrumentation to measure the shock ta-
influence on the test results. Typically, packages will be firmly
ble’s velocity change is required. This may be a device which
held on the table by securing some type of cross member(s)
electronically integrates the area under the shock pulse wave-
across the top of the package. Care should be taken that any
form. Alternatively, it can be measured by a photodiode type
pressure resulting from such fixturing should be minimal,
device which measures the shock table impact and rebound
particularly when the container being tested is corrugated or
velocity. Calculation which assumes the shock pulse to be a
some other similar material.
perfect geometric figure usually is grossly inaccurate and
4.2.1 In cases where low-acceleration, long-duration re-
should not be used.
sponses are anticipated, any fixturing can potentially influence
packaged item response and can possibly alter any correlation
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
between this test method and free-fall drop testing.Where such
correlation is desired, the package can be tested without it
6.1 The sampling and the number of test specimens depend
being fixed directly to the table. Note that in such
on the specific purposes and needs of the testing. Sample size
circumstances, the shipping container can vigorously rebound
determination in accordance with Practice E122 or other
from the table and can, if not otherwise controlled, present a
established statistical procedures is recommended.
safety problem for operators. Fixing the shipping container to
6.2 When the package system’s protection characteristics
the shock machine table is most often recommended for safety
are to be evaluated, construct the packaged system with actual
and convenience, but accuracy and precision of this test
contents as intended.
method should not be compromised by such fixturing.
6.2.1 Wheretheuseofactualcontentsisprohibitivebecause
NOTE 2—Arigid package system with a natural frequency above 83 Hz
of excessive cost or danger, a “dummy” load simulating the
requires a shock pulse shorter than the 2-ms (nominal) duration currently
contents with respect to dimensions, center of gravity, moment
available with many of today’s shock machines:
ofinertia,productcharacteristicssuchasviscosity,etc.,maybe
f 5 1 cycle/ d 32
~ !
s s
used with accelerometers or other indicating mechanisms.
f 5 1 cycle/ 0.002 32 5 250 Hz 6.2.2 Regardless of which procedure is used, close or strap
~ !
s
the container, or both, in the same manner that will be used in
f 5 f /3
p s
preparing it for shipment.
f 5 250 Hz/3 5 83 Hz
p
6.3 The procedure for identification of the members of the
where:
container shall be in accordance with Test Method D5276.
d = shock pulse duration, s,
s
f = shock pulse frequency, Hz, and
s
7. Calibration and Standardization
f = package system frequency, which may be determined by Test
p
Methods D999.
7.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to
Similarly, a shock machine using an input shock pulse duration of 3 ms
ensure reliable test data.
would only be effective with package system frequencies below 56 Hz.
7.2 Verification of calibrations must be performed on a
5. Apparatus
regular basis to ensure compliance with all accuracy require-
ments established in Section 5.Typically, system verification is
5.1 Shock Test Machine:
performed minimally on an annual basis.
5.1.1 The machine shall consist of a flat horizontal test
7.2.1 In no case shall the time interval between verification
surface (carriage) of sufficient strength and rigidity to remain
of calibration exceed 18 months.
flat and hori
...