Rail Impact Test of Evaluation Strengthened Top Lift Assembly PA116 Pallet
Abstract:
A unitization system was designed for PA116 containers. The unitization system, consisting of a standard metal pallet, pallet adapter, and a top lift assembly was previously tested and met the requirements of MIL-STD- 1660, Design Criteria for Ammunition Loads. This configuration of PA116 containers on a standard metal pallet has not previously been tested in a rail transportation environment. This engineering test, based on a blocking and bracing procedure developed by the Storage and Outloading Division SMCAC-DEO, was performed to determine the adequacy of the unitization procedure in a rail transportation environment. To accomplish this test, a 50-foot boxcar was center loaded with PA116 containers unitized on metal pallets with a redesigned top lift assembly. The test samples consisted of one row of PA116 pallets with three redesigned top lift assembly. The test samples consisted of one row of PA116 pallets with three redesigned top lift assemblies. Six PA116 pallets were placed at each end of the boxcar, two units high. Two PA116 pallets with the redesigned top lift assemblies were placed at the 4, 6, and 8 mph impact forward end of the boxcar. The remaining pallet was placed at the reverse 8 mph impact ends of the boxcar. Wooden pallets of boxed ammunition were used to simulate PA116 pallets in the center of the load. The redesigned top lift assembly satisfied the test requirements of this test by not deforming under columnar test loading. jhd