Design and Certification of Targets for Drop Tests at the NTRC Packaging Research Facility

Abstract

This report provides documentation of the design and certification of drop pad (targets) at the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC) Packaging Research Facility(PRF). Based on the evaluation performed, it has been demonstrated that the small (interior) drop pad (target) meets the regulatory definition of a flat, essentially unyielding, horizontal surface for packages weighing up to 3,150 lb (1,432 kg). The large (exterior) drop pad (target) meets the regulatory definition of a flat, essentially unyielding, horizontal surface for packages weighing up to 28,184 lb (12,811 kg).

A summary of recent package testing activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

“…This larger drop pad has a capacity of 12,727 kg (28,000 lb) for free drops from heights up to 9 m (30 ft). The design and certification of the NTRC drop pads is documented in a recent ORNL report (1) .…”