Package Design Assessment Aspects of Gaps between Content and Lid

Type B(U) packages for the transport of radioactive material have to withstand accident conditions of transport defined in the regulations of the IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency in form of different mechanical (drop) tests with a subsequent thermal test. According to the regulatory requirements the orientation of the package in drop tests shall be such to cause the most damaged state in the components performing the safety functions.For the package lid system a 9-m drop onto the unyielding target with lid side downwards is often the most damaging orientation. The impact loads acting on the lid in this orientation result mainly from interaction between lid and internal content. In case of a movable content its impact onto the inner side of the lid can cause additional load peaks on the lid and the lid bolts. The intensity of the internal collision depends on the position of content relating to lid at the time of package first contact with target. Due to physical limitations an axial gap, which could be set in “pre-drop” configuration of package or which could spontaneously appear during the drop test, usually does not cover the maximum size possible in specific package design. In this context, the combination of drop tests with post-test analysis can be helpful to better estimate the effect of internal impact.The paper summarized some aspects of this issue based on the BAM experience in the design assessment of Type B(U) transport packages. Additionally the paper shall support applicants in German approval procedures to reduce rounds of questions and ensure delivery of reliable safety case documents to the authorities. International discussions of this issue at the IAEA and a joint proposal by France and Germany to improve Advisory Material text will be introduced.