Astm D 4003 – 98 (Reapproved 2003) pdf free download

Standard Test Methods for
Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping
Containers and Systems1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4003; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods are intended to determine the ability
of a package or product to withstand laboratory simulated
horizontal impact forces.

1.2 The horizontal impacts used in these test methods are
programmed shock inputs that represent the hazards as they
occur in the shipping and handling environments. The environmental hazards may include rail switching impacts, lift
truck marshaling impacts, and so forth. The following test
methods apply:

1.2.1 Method A, Rail Car Switching Impact—This test
the method simulates the types of shock pulses experienced by
lading in rail car switching, with the use of a rigid bulkhead on
the leading edge of the test carriage, to simulate the end wall of
a railcar and shock programming devices to produce representative shock pulses. With the use of backloading, this test
the method may also be used to simulate compressive forces
experienced by lading loads during rail car switching. It is
suitable for tests of individual containers or systems as they are
shipped in rail cars. It may also be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of pallet patterns to determine the effect of
interaction between containers during rail switching operation
impacts.

1.2.2 Method B, Marshalling Impact Tests of Unit Loads—
This test method assesses the ability of unit loads to withstand
the forces encountered during marshaling or loading operations.

1.3 The test levels may be varied to represent the mode of
shipping and handling used for the item under test.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
information only.

1.5 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.