ASTM D6537-00(2006)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance
Standard Practice for Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of Package Performance
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice is intended to provide the user with a process to obtain data on package performance when a packaged product is subjected to shock. These measures can be used to quantify or qualify a package system.
Data from this practice may provide a measure of a package’ability to mitigate the various levels of shipping shock or impact hazards. These measures may be used to prescribe a mode of shipping and handling that will not induce damage to the packaged product or to define the required levels of protection that must be provided by its packaging.
This practice could potentially be used in conjunction with the data derived from Test Method D 3332 (Method B) for optimizing cushion design.
This practice obtains data at the interface of the product and package (coupled) or element response, depending on the intent of the user (see 10.1 and 10.1.1).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers methods for obtaining measured shock responses using instrumentation for an actual or simulated product package system when subjected to defined shock inputs to measure package performance.
1.2 This practice establishes methods for obtaining measured shock data for use with shock and impact test methods. It is not intended as a substitute for performance testing of shipping containers and systems such as Practice D 4169.
1.3 This practice will address acceleration measuring techniques. Other ways of measuring shock impacts, such as high speed video, are not covered by this practice.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D6537 − 00(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Practice for
Instrumented Package Shock Testing For Determination of
Package Performance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6537; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D5487Test Method for Simulated Drop of Loaded Contain-
ers by Shock Machines
1.1 This practice covers methods for obtaining measured
D6055Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
shock responses using instrumentation for an actual or simu-
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
lated product package system when subjected to defined shock
D6179Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
inputs to measure package performance.
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
1.2 This practice establishes methods for obtaining mea-
2.2 ISO Standard:
sured shock data for use with shock and impact test methods.
10012Quality Assurance for Measuring Equipment
It is not intended as a substitute for performance testing of
3. Terminology
shipping containers and systems such as Practice D4169.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 This practice will address acceleration measuring tech-
3.1.1 General definitions for packaging and distribution are
niques. Other ways of measuring shock impacts, such as high
found in Terminology D996.
speed video, are not covered by this practice.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.1 accelerometer—a sensor that converts acceleration
into a proportional electric signal for measurement.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.2 coeffıcient of restitution—the ratio of the rebound
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
velocity to the impact velocity.
3.2.3 complex waveform—acceleration versus time graph
2. Referenced Documents
representing the responses of many different spring/mass
2.1 ASTM Standards:
systems when subjected to an impact. Also referred to as a
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
complex shock-pulse.
ments
3.2.4 faired acceleration—the amplitude representing the
D3332Test Methods for Mechanical-Shock Fragility of
primaryorintendedresponsesysteminacomplexshockpulse.
Products, Using Shock Machines
3.2.5 fairing—the graphical smoothing of a recorded pulse
D4003Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
by visually estimating the amplitude of the primary waveform
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
when high frequency responses are also present.
D4169Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
tainers and Systems 3.2.6 peak acceleration—the maximum absolute value of
acceleration which occurred during the shock pulse.
D5276Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by
Free Fall
3.2.7 primary waveform—acceleration versus time graph
D5277Test Method for Performing Programmed Horizontal
representing the response of the spring/mass system of interest
Impacts Using an Inclined Impact Tester
when subjected to an impact. Also referred to as a primary
shock-pulse.
3.2.8 pulse duration—the amount of time the shock accel-
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D10 on Packaging
erationisbeyondareferencelevel.Thislevelisgenerallytaken
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.13 on Interior Packaging.
as 10% of the pulse peak acceleration (not the zero baseline)
Current edition approved April 1, 2006. Published April 2006. Originally
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D6537–00. DOI:
to most accurately represent the effective duration and fre-
10.1520/D6537-00R06.
quency of the pulse.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6537 − 00 (2006)
3.2.9 velocity change—thesumofthevelocityatimpactand ate cable type and length because various accelerometer types
the rebound velocity. require special cables and are not necessarily interchangeable.
4. Significance and Use
6. Sampling
4.1 This practice is intended to provide the user with a
6.1 Sampling procedures and the number of test specimens
process to obtain data on package performance when a
depends on the specific purposes and needs of the testing.
packagedproductissubjectedtoshock.Thesemeasurescanbe
Refer to the sampling procedure for the standard test method
used to quantify or qualify a package system.
chosen.
4.2 Data from this practice may provide a measure of a
package’s ability to mitigate the various levels of shipping 7. Test Specimen
shock or impact hazards. These measures may be used to
7.1 Option 1—Actual contents and package.
prescribe a mode of shipping and handling that will not induce
7.1.1 Usethisoptiontoevaluatetheprotectivecapabilityof
damagetothepackagedproductortodefinetherequiredlevels
the package intended for shipment and when the actual
of protection that must be provided by its packaging.
contents are available. Testing a prototype package may yield
4.3 This practice could potentially be used in conjunction
results that differ from a production manufactured package.
withthedataderivedfromTestMethodD3332(MethodB)for
Care should be taken to ensure that the construction and
optimizing cushion design.
materials of the prototype are representative of a production
package. Re-testing may be required with a production pack-
4.4 This practice obtains data at the interface of the product
agetoverifyearliertestresults.(Warning—Damagetothetest
and package (coupled) or element response, depending on the
specimen may result from shock or impact testing.)
intent of the user (see 10.1 and 10.1.1).
7.1.2 The contents may or may not be operational or in
5. Apparatus
calibration.
5.1 Shock or impact apparatus shall be as described in the
7.2 Option 2—Simulated contents and package.
established shock or impact method used. Examples of shock
7.2.1 Usethisoptiontoevaluatethepackagewhenaccessto
and impact apparatuses are described in Test Methods D4003,
the actual contents is prohibitive because of availability,
D5276, D5277, D5487 and D6055.
excessive cost or hazardous nature. This option may also be
desirable to eliminate or minimize high frequency responses
5.2 Instrumentation:
that the actual product may produce.
5.2.1 Instrumentation System—Accelerometer(s), cables,
7.2.2 Amock-up simulating the actual product with respect
signalconditioner,andadataacquisitionsystemarerequiredto
to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia and other
record acceleration versus time histories. The instrumentation
product characteristics may be used.
system shall have the following minimum properties:
7.2.3 A dummy load may be used to represent the loading
5.2.1.1 Frequency response from at least 2 Hz to at least
1000 Hz. characteristics of the actual product within the package.
5.2.1.2 Accuracy reading to be within 65% of the actual 7.2.4 Mock-ups and dummy loads are to be fabricated from
value. rigid, non-responsive materials such as wood, plastic, model-
5.2.1.3 Accelerometers—An appropriate accelerometer ing foam, aluminum, or steel, and be durable enough to
shallbeusedthatiscapableofmeasuringtheaccelerationinput withstand the intended impacts without failing. A mock-up
over the desired amplitude frequency and temperature range. loadmayusepart(s)oftheactualproductwithmodificationsto
Avoid accelerometers where the mass characteristics of the replicatetheactualproductorbefabricatedentirelyfromother
accelerometer, including any attachments to it (mountings, materials.
cables, etc.), will affect the weight or stiffness of the surface to
7.3 Minor modifications may be made to the product or
which it is attached.
package to accommodate accelerometers, cabling, or to ob-
NOTE1—Afalsereadingofthemountingstructureorunnecessaryhigh serve the product during the test. Such modifications are
frequency responses will occur if the mass of the accelerometer is too
allowed as long as they do not affect the test results.
large in relation to the mounting surface. The mass characteristics of the
th
7.4 Care must be taken to ensure that no degradation has
accelerometerassemblyshouldbelessthan ⁄10 themassofthestructure
being measured (1).
occurred to the package if the test packages have been shipped
to the test site. If any doubt exists as to the condition of the
5.2.1.4 Cross axis sensitivity less than 5% of actual value.
package, repackage the product in new packaging material
5.2.1.5 Cabling—Use cables that are suitable to the system
before testing.
used. Accelerometer cables should be as lightweight and
flexibleaspossibletoavoidmassloadingontheaccelerometer
8. Calibration
or structure being tested. Cable length may alter the desired
signal depending on the application and type of accelerometer
8.1 The accuracy of the test equipment must be verified to
used. Refer to manufacturers’ recommendations for appropri-
ensure reliable test data.
8.1.1 System calibration is generally accomplished by hav-
ing each of the individual components calibrated periodically
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. (2).
D6537 − 00 (2006)
8.2 Verification of calibration must be performed on a data. Looseness or loss of contact between the accelerometer
regular basis to ensure compliance with all accuracy require- and its mounting surface can cause false or spurious readings.
ments established in Section 5. Refer to manufacturer’s rec- The best and most reliable method is a threaded fastening
ommendations on calibration schedules. Typically, system mounteddirectlytoasmoothsurface.Oftenthisisnotpossible
verificationisperformedatleastonanannualbasis.Innocase or convenient, however, and methods using various adhesives,
shall the time interval between verification of system calibra- cements, magnetic mounts, and waxes can be used with good
tion exceed 18 months. success. See Appendix X1 for discussion on mounting tech-
niques.
8.3 Contractual regulations may require more periodic cali-
10.2.1 The accelerometer should be mounted so that its
brations.
sensitive axis is aligned as accurately as possible with the
8.4 International standards, such as ISO 10012 provide
acceleration direction to be measured. Any misalignment will
insightandmethodsfordeterminingre-calibrationintervalsfor
result in an error which is proportional to the cosine of the
most measuring equipment.
anglebetweentheaccelerometer’smeasuringdirectionandthe
8.5 Accelerometers may need to be re-calibrated on a more direction of actual motion.
frequent basis. Factors such as extent of use, environmental or
NOTE 5—Example—If an accelerometer is mounted at an angle of 10°
otherunusualconditionsmayrequirethattheaccelerometerbe
from the direction of actual motion, it will measure only a component of
re-calibrated before its scheduled due date.
the acceleration A, equal to A × cosine 10° = A × 0.985, which is an error
of 1.5%.
9. Conditioning
10.3 Document the sensing orientation of the accelerometer
9.1 Conditionthepackageandcomponentstothecondition-
in reference to the axis of the product. When the package is
ing requirements in accordance with the test method being
assembled the accelerometer orientation may not be readily
followed.Unlessotherwisespecified,conductalltestswiththe
accessible. Most recording devices require pre-impact setup
same conditions prevailing.
prior to each test to ensure that the shock or impact event for
the desired axis is recorded.
10. Procedure
10.4 Makenecessaryconnectionsfromtheaccelerometer(s)
10.1 Total Product Response—Mounttheaccelerometerata
to the signal conditioner. Refer to manufacturer’s recommen-
location on the product that represents the product as a single
dations for proper connections. Labeling of the cables by
mass.This location should be rigid and non-flexible to prevent
channel or axis is recommended if more than one accelerom-
extraneous responses from being measured, thus distorting or
eter is used during testing.
influencing the resulting data. The accelerometer is to be
10.4.1 Cables should be securely fastened to the mounting
mounted on the product, or simulated product, so that the
structure with tape, a clamp, or other adhesive to minimize
sensitiveaxisoftheaccelerometerisalignedinthedirectionof
cable whip and connector strain. Cable whip can introduce
the applied shock. Where possible, mount the accelerometer
noise, especially in high impedance signal paths. Cable strain
near the product’s center of gravity, or along a line passing
near the electrical connector can often lead to intermittent or
through the center of gravity for the axis being measured.
brokenconnectionsandlossofdata.Cablesshouldbefastened
Measuredshockresponsesfromlocationsotherthanthecenter
to the structure with ample slack equal to or greater than the
of gravity may be misleading due to item rotation.
maximum amount of potential displacement the structure may
NOTE 2—Caution should be used when mounting the accelerometer to
undergo to avoid damage to the sensor/cable connection. See
theexterioroftheproduct.Damagetotheaccelerometercanresultifthere
Fig. 1 for proper cable connection.
isinsufficientdistancebetweentheproductandtheinteriorofthepackage
upon impact.
NOTE 6—Avoid routing cables along floors or walkways where they
NOTE 3—Utilization of more than one accelerometer to record multiple
may be stepped on or become contaminated. Also avoid routing cables
axes or vectors simultaneously can expedite testing when evaluating
nearAC power wires. If necessary to crossAC power lines, do so at right
multiple orientations. Using multiple accelerometers eliminates the need
angles. Do not kink, bend sharply, or place cable in tension.
to open the package and reposition the accelerometer after each series of
tests. Triaxial type accelerometers work well for most applications where
the mounting location is representative of the overall product movement.
NOTE 4—When comparing results of earlier testing, the accelerometer
should be mounted in the same location as previous
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