Experimental and numerical investigations for the evaluation of impact targets in drop testing of dangerous goods packagings.
Source: Nikolaos Lengas, BAM, Division 3.1
Starting point: Lack of clarity in the regulations for impact targets in the drop test
The drop test is used to ensure safety when transporting dangerous goods. This method assesses the resistance of dangerous goods packagings against mechanical damage. Therefore, the impact surface should be unyielding, which is why the properties of the impact target are crucial. In practice, it often happens that impact targets of packaging manufacturers cannot meet the requirements specified in the dangerous goods regulations (ADR 6.1.5.3, with reference to ISO 2248). The required mass ratio of 1:50 between the impact target and the heaviest package to be tested is particularly problematic. Furthermore, the impact targets in manufacturing facilities usually do not have a built-in measuring system to check the suitability of different designs. The need for revision of dangerous goods packaging regulations arises time and again in the context of dangerous goods legislation at UN level.
New research findings describe the most important parameters in drop testing of dangerous goods packagings.
The findings gained from this safety research have shown that the current regulation requirement regarding the mass ratio of 1:50 between impact target and test is not a necessary criterion. The specification of a rigid mass ratio can be replaced by other technical parameters. On the one hand, impact target design can be limited in terms of negligible elastic deformation of the impact surface. On the other hand, the real maximum rigid body deflection of the impact target should not exceed an analytically calculated threshold at the moment of impact. The combination of the two new evaluation criteria contributes to the technical revision of the rigid mass ratio currently defined in the ISO standard.
Knowledge transfer and influence on the international dangerous goods legislation
To date, no standardized method has been introduced to establish a uniform level of testing and safety. However, the need for specific requirements for the impact foundation has already been identified several times at UN level within the framework of dangerous goods legislation. The new mechanical criteria presented in this research, lay the foundation for the development of a standardized method for the practice of drop testing in industrial applications.
New Criteria for Evaluating Impact Targets In Drop Tests of Dangerous Goods Packagings
Nikolaos Lengas, Karsten Müller, Eva Schlick-Hasper, Marcel Neitsch, Sergej Johann, M. W. Zehn
published in Packaging Technology and Science, 2023, Pages 1–14.
BAM Department Containment Systems for Dangerous Goods; Energy Storage
BAM Division Safety of Dangerous Goods Packagings and Batteries
BAM Department Non-destructive Testing
BAM Division Sensors, Measurement and Testing Methods