6-Step Method Series (Part 3): Defining product vibration fragility

It is virtually impossible to travel in a vehicle without experiencing some form of vibration.
The rotation of the engine and wheels induces vibration in the frame. Inconsistencies in the travel medium cause the suspension system to respond and the frame to flex.

Products that are transported within the supply chain will experience vibration input. Thus, an essential step in designing an effective cushioned package system is to determine the product’s sensitivity to vibration input. This evaluation typically takes place by testing the bare (non-packaged) product on a programmable vibration test system.

By measuring and quantifying a product’s (and its subcomponent’s) resonant frequencies, design engineers can strategically react in two ways.

One – they can make changes to the product design to change or mitigate those responses.

Two – they can engineer cushioned packaging designs to filter that potential environmental vibration from every making it to the product itself.

What we discussed:
Definition of vibration.
The sources of those dynamics within the supply chain.
Key characteristics of vibration – acceleration amplitude, frequency, type – sinusoidal or random.
ASTM D3580 - Standard Test Methods for vibration (Vertical Linear Motion) test of products.
Resonant and natural frequency.
Spring constant relationship – stiffness and softness.
Use of those quantifiable metrics in establishing design criteria for protective packaging.

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