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How are packages certified?
What are full-scale tests?
What are scale-model tests?
What is computer analysis?
What are examples of severe testing?
How do the certification tests compare to real-life accidents?
Demonstrating target hardness.
Accurate determination of package behavior for impact and puncture accidents can be obtained by testing sub-scale models. This technique is frequently used in conjunction with full-scale tests and computer analyses. Full-scale spent fuel packages can weigh 250,000 pounds (three fully loaded semi-trucks) or more, therefore the ability to determine the behavior with scale-models improves testing safety and reduces testing costs. ***

1/4 Scale Free Drop Test 1/4 Scale Component Free Drop Test 1/3 Scale Puncture Test 1/2 Scale Puncture Test 1/8 Scale Rail Crush Test
[scale model DROP test]
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[scale model component test]
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[scale model PNCTR test]
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[scale model PNCTR test]
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[scale model RAIL CRUSH]
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Dropping a 1/4 scale model package from 30 feet onto an unyielding target. (the unyielding target forces all of the deformation to be in the package, none in the target). Drop test of 1/4 scale model impact limiters from 30 feet onto an unyielding target. Dropping a 1/3 scale model package from 40 inches onto a rigidly attached (welded) 2 inch diameter steel spike. Dropping a 1/2 scale model package from 40 inches onto a rigidly attached (welded) 3 inch diameter steel spike. 1/8 scale model simulation of a highway/railroad crossing accident. The results of this test match the results of the full-scale test of this highway/railroad crossing accident.

*** Because leakage past seals does not scale, packages that are certified using scale model tests enforce no-deformation in the closure region to guarantee there is no leakage.


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