Research on elastic-damping properties of unit loads

In the paper, the results of tests of free-fall of unit load (cubicoidal package) from a height on the stiff ground are presented. The aim of this study is to determine the elastic-damping properties of packaging for all surfaces, edges and corners. These tests allow us to evaluate the protective ability of packages in case of impact in any direction typical for real transport systems. The maximum accelerations registered during experimental tests are subjected to approximation by means of B-spline surface. It enables the visual interpretation of data in three-dimensional space, allowing detection critical packaging places for the safety of transported goods. In addition, the registered acceleration waveforms were used to determine the coefficients of: restitution, damping and rigidity. These parameters are required to the analytical descriptions of loads contact with obstacles - such as in the models of sorting or positioning processes of packagings.