ASTM D999 Standard Test Method For Vibration Testing

Vibration tests for ASTM D999 containers can be used to assess the performance of containers with internal packaging and closure means, including their strength and protection of their contents when subjected to vibrations such as those experienced during transport. These procedures are applicable to testing any form, material, type, internal packaging design, closure, and container of any size and weight. They are not used to determine the response of the product to vibration for product design purposes, nor are they used for testing the product in its operational configuration, as other more suitable procedures may be used for these purposes.

ASTM D999 Summary of Vibration Test information

Packaging test integrity standards take into account internal packaging and sealing methods. ASTM D999 performance is based on the strength and protection it provides when subjected to vibration.
The test sample consists of a container with an internal package and the actual contents. As long as any defects are documented prior to testing, the contents may use defective or nonconforming products. If possible, five or more repeatable tests should be performed to improve the statistical reliability of the obtained data.
Exposure to vibration can affect transport containers, their internal packaging, contents and closure devices. Tests in ASTM D999 allow analysis of the interactions of these components.

Meaning and use

1. Containers are exposed to complex dynamic vehicles. In order to get close to actual damage or no damage during transportation, it may be necessary to place containers and cargo in vibration inputs
2. Resonance response during transportation can be serious and may cause packaging or product failure. Determining the critical frequency and the nature of the cladding stress helps minimize the effects of these occurrences.
3. Vibration tests shall be based on representative field data. Where possible, the level of confidence can be increased by comparing laboratory test results with actual field shipment data.

Test method

This packaging test standard is applicable to testing containers of any form, material, type, internal packaging design, sealing mode, size and weight.

Repetitive Shock Test (Vertical Motion)

These tests are applicable to the testing of a single container that is transported unrestricted on a lathe. These tests are suitable for containers that are subjected to repeated shocks due to unit load or amplification of vibrations in the stack.
Testing apparatus:electrodynamic shaker table, the horizontal surface of the platform has sufficient strength and stiffness, when the specimen is loaded, the applied vibration is substantially uniform across the test surface. The platform should be supported by a vibrating mechanism so that its motion approximates the vertical sinusoidal input. (Platform rotation is not allowed.) The double amplitude displacement of the vibration should be fixed or controlled to 1 inch. (25mm), the frequency should vary in the range of 2 to at least 5hz(cycles per second). The vibration test machine shall be provided with a fence, barrier or other restraint to prevent the specimen from falling off the platform without restricting its vertical movement.

Repetitive Shock Test (Rotary Motion)

This method is the same as the repeated impact test (vertical motion) method. The difference is vibrational motion. Despite the similarities, the results of the two approaches may not be related to each other.
The horizontal surface of the platform has sufficient strength and stiffness, when the specimen is loaded, the applied vibration is substantially uniform across the test surface. The platform should be supported by a vibrating mechanism so that its motion is a rotational input and the vertical component is approximately sinusoidal. The double amplitude displacement of the vibration should be fixed at 1 inch. (25mm), the frequency should vary between 2 and at least 5hz(cycles per second). The vibration test machine shall be provided with a fence, barrier or other restraint to prevent the specimen from falling off the platform without restricting its vertical movement.

Single container resonance test

This method is ideal for individual containers and their internal packaging to protect the contents from vibration. Vibration is generated by transport, with emphasis on resonance response.

Pallet load, combination load or vertical resonance test

This method focuses on the resonance frequencies of pallet loads and multi-cell stacked loads. The goal is to determine whether the containers are strong enough to withstand the dynamic load when stacked.
Electrodynamic shaker table, the horizontal surface of the platform has sufficient strength and stiffness, when the specimen is loaded, the applied vibration is substantially uniform across the test surface. The platform shall be supported by a mechanism capable of generating vibration, in a controllable continuously variable frequency range, with a controllable acceleration or displacement, or both controllable vertical linear planes. (Platform rotation is not allowed.)For repeated impact testing (rotary motion)
Suitable fixtures and attachment points shall be provided to rigidly fix the test vessel to the platform. For single-container resonance testing, constraints should be provided to limit the horizontal motion of the sample on the platform, but not the vertical motion of the sample.

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