This practice is intended to provide the user with a process to obtain data on package performance when a packaged product is subjected to shock. These measures can be used to quantify or qualify a package system.

Data from this practice may provide a measure of a package’ability to mitigate the various levels of shipping shock or impact hazards. These measures may be used to prescribe a mode of shipping and handling that will not induce damage to the packaged product or to define the required levels of protection that must be provided by its packaging.

This practice could potentially be used in conjunction with the data derived from Test Method D 3332 (Method B) for optimizing cushion design.

This practice obtains data at the interface of the product and package (coupled) or element response, depending on the intent of the user (see 10.1 and 10.1.1).

1.1 This practice covers methods for obtaining measured shock responses using instrumentation for an actual or simulated product package system when subjected to defined shock inputs to measure package performance.

1.2 This practice establishes methods for obtaining measured shock data for use with shock and impact test methods. It is not intended as a substitute for performance testing of shipping containers and systems such as Practice D 4169.

1.3 This practice will address acceleration measuring techniques. Other ways of measuring shock impacts, such as high speed video, are not covered by this practice.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.