ISTA Load Stability Workgroup Progresses to Second Workstream Focused on Non-Restrained Long Duration Horizontal Acceleration Events
Led by Smithers expert Michael Kuebler, the workgroup was formed based on a new protocol test request submitted to ISTA by Smithers in late 2018. The workgroup’s first objective was to “bring a test method to the testing council that predicts the effects of non-restrained horizontal impacts on unit loads in a generalized supply chain.” As of June, the group has completed their work and submitted recommendations to the standards council for progression. To read more about the first workstream, click here.
The group has since defined its second workstream objective:
Improve our ability to predict the effects of non-restrained long duration horizontal acceleration events that occur on unit loads in a generalized supply chain.
For the purposes of this workstream, the group has defined non-restrained long duration horizontal acceleration events as braking and turning events. More specifically, the group is focused on packaged-products that ship without additional on-vehicle containments measures like blocking and bracing.
The group has established a solid understanding of the current landscape for these events and is now working to develop a hypothesis and establish next steps.
“The ultimate goal is to develop a test method for these non-fixed loads that balances cost and benefit, but that depends on how accurately we can simulate these long duration events using laboratory equipment,” said Kuebler, who is Technical Director of Distribution Testing for Smithers. “We need to do some research to determine that, so we’re currently working on a few ideas for a field monitoring study and a lab study that will get us the data we need.”
To learn more, get in touch with Michael Kuebler at 517-803-5793 or mkuebler@smithers.com.