After a significant effort as part of Work Item (WK) 67358, ASTM has updated the Air profile called upon within D-4169, Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.
This Work Group recommended the update after undertaking – and analyzing – a number of actual air (in-the-air) transport measurements. Additionally, the Work Group researched past published air transport studies, as well as relevant industry cargo transport test standards, all of which were used to establish the recommended profiles shown below.
There are now three profiles, with similar shapes, but differing Grms levels that users will run sequentially to complete the recommended test duration. The PSD profile shapes and intensities are based upon real-world, data-based measurements and observations. Those profiles are:
- Low – 0.16 Grms
- Medium – 0.22 Grms
- High – 0.29 Grms
ASTM created a document, which explains the rationale for the overall update, as well as the specific changes associated with the updated:
- PSD profile shape
- PSD profile intensities
- PSD test durations
The ASTM Air Profile Rationale document is considered copyrighted by ASTM. To view the complete document, ASTM Members can access the PDF by logging into their member account, visiting My Committees, and selecting My Committee Documents.
To purchase and download a complete version of the ASTM D4169 Test Procedure, please visit ASTM directly at: https://www.astm.org/Standards/D4169.htm