The effect of pallet connection stiffness, deck stiffness and static load level on the resonant response of pallet decks to vibration frequencies occurring in the distribution environment

This paper summarizes the results of a preliminary study of the relationship between pallet design and the resonant response of pallet decks to sinusoidal vibration. Sine sweep frequency vibration tests between 3 Hz and 50 Hz were conducted to determine the effect of pallet deckboard stiffness, joint stiffness and the static load level on the resonant response of pallet decks. As the stiffness of the pallet joints and deckboards increases, the resonant frequency of the unit load increases and transmissibility decreases. As the static load on the pallet increases the resonant frequency of the unit load decreases and the transmissibility increases. The survivability of a unitized produce, sensitive to vibration, during shipping and distribution is affected by the pallet design. Pallets designed using rigid connections and stiffer decks will reduce damage to vibration-sensitive products. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.