3.1 Pretest
The following information is required to conduct rail impact tests adequately.
-
a. General. Information listed in Part One, paragraphs 5.7 and 5.9; and Annex A, Task 405 of this standard.
-
b. Specific to this method.
-
(1) Required test item orientations for testing (possible rail car shipping orientations).
-
(2) Timing device details, including accuracy, calibration, and location(s).
-
(3) Test setup photographs, including any securement items.
-
(4) Buffer car(s) weight, and type of draft gear for each buffer car.
-
(5) Type of rail car and draft gear (cushioned or other).
-
(6) Empty weight of the test car.
-
(7) Test item weight.
-
(8) Record of the test standard or alternate procedure (test plan) followed.
-
(9) The pass/fail criteria. The criteria shall be provided by the program manager and approved by the certification authority, (SDDCTEA).
-
c. Tailoring. Cargo requiring extraordinary attention, e.g., one-of-a-kind, high value, or key military materiel, may justify changes to the test procedure and criteria; the developer or Program Manager must identify these and they must be approved by the Director, SDDCTEA, Attn: SDTE-DPE, Building 1900W, 1 Soldier Way, Scott AFB, IL 62225 (see paragraph 6.1, reference d). Also, document necessary variations in the basic test procedures to accommodate LCEP requirements and/or facility limitations.
3.2 During Test
Collect the following information during conduct of the test:
- a. General. Information listed in Part One, paragraph 5.10; and in Annex A, Tasks 405 and 406 of this standard.
- b. Specific to this method.
- (1) Impact speeds for each impact and direction, and test item orientation.
- (2) Test item or securement items failures or loosening (if any), with photographs and corrective action(s).
- (3) Buffer car(s) displacement following each impact which is related to the payload weight and the impact velocity. This also provides information on the effectiveness of the buffer car(s) brakes.
- (4) Shock levels on the test railcar is recommended to ensure that the coupling system is functioning properly and the response of the test railcar is within credible bounds for the speeds tested.
- (5) Shock levels on the test item is recommended to provide data to system designers and developers.
3.3 Post-Test
The following post-test data shall be included in the test report.
- a. General. Information listed in Part One, paragraph 5.13; and in Annex A, Task 406 of this standard.
- b. Specific to this method.
- (1) Document and photograph any physical damage to the test item.
- (2) Record of the test item or securement items failures or loosening (if any), with photographs.
- (3) Any deviation from the original test plan.
- (4) Record of functional test results.