3D Metrology Analysis of Structural Damages on Type B Shipping Container after Completion of Normal Conditions of Transportation and Hypothetical Accident Conditions Regulatory Testing

Packages used to transport Type B quantities of radioactive materials must meet normal conditions of transportation and hypothetical accident conditions requirements as defined in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 71. Evaluating package designs to these criteria typically involves a combination of analysis and physical testing. These required physical tests include free drop, crush, puncture, penetration, compression, vibration, water spray, water immersion, and thermal tests which result in structural damages that must be evaluated and measured for comparison with data obtained from modeling and other specified standards. This paper describes a new approach to extracting accurate structural dimensions from a damaged Type B package after a required regulatory test using a high-end 3D scanner. Traditionally, these posttest analyses are done by using straightedge measuring tools, such as rulers, measuring tapes, and manual reference calipers. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Packaging Evaluation Facility at the National Transportation Research Center is pioneering a 3D metrology posttest analysis by using a high-end 3D scanner. This method involves preparation, 3D volumetry scanning, and postprocessing the scanned data from the Type B package before and after the tests. The scanned data from the package are then compared in a CAD environment to extract the dimensions of the structural damages. Results obtained from the 3D scanned package showed a marked improvement when compared with those obtained from measurements obtained via the traditional method. The results from the 3D scanned units also showed better comparison with the actual damages on the Type B package.