Strain Gage Test Results of Band-Type Locking Rings for a Typical Drum Type Radioactive Material Package

Abstract

Band type closure rings are commonly used for securing the drum lid on radioactive material packages of lower weight classifications. Lid installation is achieved by placing the band around the perimeter of the lidded drum and tightening the single bolt in stages until a designated torque value is obtained. The band is subjected to heavy rapping with a soft hammer during installation to equilibrate the band strains around the drum perimeter. The study described here investigated the strain distributions in the band throughout the installation process. The results show that a uniform strain distribution is achieved during installation and that the hammering of the band aids in achieving the uniform distribution. The results of the strain levels after the drop test indicate that the locking rings maintain some pretension, even after severe targeted drops that crush a portion of the drum top.