1.3.3 Calculation of the acceleration forces

Discrepancies in the acceleration forces can occur with all means of transport.

On the basis of these acceleration values, forces can be calculated from the product of the mass (packaged goods/package) and the acceleration. These forces then form the initial values for dimensioning box components, securing the packaged goods in the boxes and carrying out any load-securing measures:

F = m · g

where:

F = acceleration force [N]

m = mass [kg]

g = acceleration [m/s²], see Table 1

Sample calculation: Sideways displacement force, maritime transport

The goods in a package have a mass of 1,000 kg and must be secured to the floor of the box. The coefficient of friction µ is assumed to be 0.1.

To perform the calculation, the following must be known: the force that can displace the packaged item during transportation, for instance sideways, and the coefficient of friction for the material pair packaged item/package material. The package is to be transported by sea.

Calculation of the displacement force:

Lateral acceleration of ship = 0.8 g = 8 m/s²
F = m · g
F = 1,000 kg · 8 m/s²
F = 8,000 kgm/s² [N]

Result: The displacement force acting sideways on the packaged item is 8,000 N. The basis for calculating be necessary securing measures is then derived by subtracting the frictional force of 800 N acting between the packaged item and the package material.