Péter Böröcz

55955666100

Publications - 36

Review Paper on the Field Measurement of Parcel Packaging Drop for Testing Purposes

Péter Böröcz Zsófia Németh

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2025-05-01

Volume: 38

Issue: 5

Page Range: 345-357

Description:

The parcel delivery shipping industry has developed rapidly all over the world in the last 10–15 years. These parcel packages are generally small and have a high risk of damage due to the numerous handling events during delivery services. Inefficient packaging solutions can lead to significant costs and increase the occurrence of product damage. This problem is widely known, and packaging engineers have tried to simulate field physical events in the laboratory to optimize the protective packaging system. Drop events during parcel delivery are one of the primary causes of damage for small individual shipments and need to be precisely simulated to achieve optimized product protection. Over the past 50 years, drop tests have become common practice as a pre-shipment test for parcel packages, and many devices have been developed to measure and observe these physical events during package transit. Due to the nature of packages and their variations, different field measurements and observations have been presented across continents and countries and have been implemented in general practices. A review of drop event observations is required to summarize and critically evaluate recent results. This review begins with an overview of the drop observation methods [real drop height (RDH) and effective drop height (EDH)], then discusses methods proposed by standards organizations, followed by a focus on the setup and materials of measuring systems used by researchers to record the events. Finally, a summary of previous results is presented, which can serve as a guide for further research on the topic.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2875

Vehicle Dynamics Measurements with a Unique Measuring System for Trams

Miklós Kuczmann Szabolcs Fischer Péter Böröcz Szabolcs Kocsis Szurke Vivien Jóvér Bence Hermán

Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 1258 LNNS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 24-33

Description:

One of the paramount challenges in contemporary urban transport is the efficient maintenance and operation of tramway tracks, aiming to maximize their lifespan while ensuring safe and comfortable passenger travel. Traditional methods of examining superstructure systems through observation and geometric measurements are insufficient; understanding the dynamics of vehicles adhering to their schedules is equally critical. To address this, we developed an innovative portable vehicle dynamics measurement system equipped with accelerometers and a GPS module (with GNSS system), facilitating real-time tram dynamics testing. This versatile device can be deployed at any time and on any tram, enabling continuous monitoring of track conditions. The dynamic data gathered can be systematically compared with geometric measurements, providing comprehensive insights into the railway track's condition and informing maintenance strategies. The paper consists of several examples for comparison (geometric and dynamic data series) and discusses how to develop the instrument further.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-81799-1_3

Creep behaviour of day-old chicken corrugated paperboard packaging under different uniaxial compression loads—An experimental study

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl Lajos Fehér

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 37

Issue: 1

Page Range: 51-63

Description:

One of the most important elements for animal transportation is the packaging that ensures the safety and health of the transit. During the transport of live small animals, such as day-old chickens, the animals may only stay in the boxes for a very limited period, in this case, 48 h. Therefore, it is important to be able to model the strength behaviour of these boxes concerning packaging material requirements and sustainability. The aim of this study was to determine the short- and relatively long-term strength of day-old chicken packages to better estimate packaging design and to use these data to establish an analytical creep model with suitable parameters that adequately approximate the measured data. Two types of packages were tested, and two types of creep models were used to model the creep strain-time graphs. The creep behaviour of the two samples was tested at four different uniaxial load cases, with consistent environmental conditions during the tests (23°C and 50% relative humidity [RH]). At the two highest loads, both samples failed before the 48-h cycle, indicating a significant difference in box strength between short-term and long-term load tests. The secondary creep strain rate increases with the magnitude of the compressive load. When comparing the two creep models for both box types, the Power law provided the best accuracy at the 50% of box compression test (BCT) load case, while at the other three load cases, the Andrade law showed better predictions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2780

Comparison of Field and Standard Random Vibration for Small-Sized and Stacked Shipments during Parcel Delivery

Péter Böröcz László Koltai Bence Molnar Zsófia Németh

Publication Name: Journal of Testing and Evaluation

Publication Date: 2023-11-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 6

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In recent years, the volume of parcel shipments has increased significantly because of the rise in popularity of online shopping. This article focuses on the last mile segment of the parcel shipment, especially on the vibration behavior of the packages and van platform during transportation and the laboratory simulation of transportation vibration circumstances. The goal of this study is to measure in the field the vibration levels of small, stacked parcels and compare the results with measured vibration levels from the same measuring setup in the laboratory using ASTM D7386-16, Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems, vibration test method. For the measurements, three-layers of stacked small boxes with data recorder were set up into a delivery van to observe the vibration levels for the boxes inside and on the platform of the van, along different road conditions. The power spectral density spectra and overall Grms values of vibration intensity were presented and compared in four sections of frequency range between 1-200 Hz. The results indicate that the proposed vibration simulation does not correlate well with typical field vibration levels of the van platform and stacked packages. Based on the results, the packaging testing process can be developed as a more realistic preshipment testing process to avoid under-testing or over-testing of small parcels, thereby eliminating unnecessary packaging costs or damages.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1520/JTE20220490

Effect of Simulated Transport Conditions on Microbiological Properties of Bottled Natural Mineral Water

Balázs Ásványi E. Lakatos Péter Böröcz Renáta Tihanyi-Kovács F. Bánáti László Varga

Publication Name: Water Switzerland

Publication Date: 2023-05-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 9

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Bottled mineral water is distributed globally through complex supply chains, making it available far beyond its bottling plants. In low-viscosity food matrices, invisible changes may occur due to shaking. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the potential correlation between the intensity of mechanical agitation and the number of detectable microorganisms in bottled mineral water. The simulation of dynamic mechanical vibration was conducted using both time-accelerated and real-time tests. Freshly bottled natural mineral water and commercially available mineral water brands from different bottling locations and times were subjected to random vibration at three intensities as specified by the ASTM D-4169-16 standard, which simulates road transport on semi-trailer trucks. The study investigated the specific growth rate, the generation time, and the maximum cell numbers of microorganisms. The quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique was used to determine and compare the concentrations of microbes. Dynamic mechanical vibration affected the microbiome of mineral waters, influencing growth rates and generation times. In the case of waters from different bottling locations and times, the specific growth rate varied significantly for each water and for each intensity. This finding demonstrates that the microbiome composition of the water source and the interaction between microbes influence the response to mechanical impact. The time-accelerated test was shown to be suitable for analyzing the reaction of the microbiome of the tested matrix to the intensity and duration of vibration. The applied test protocol enabled the monitoring of changes in cell numbers by qPCR. All three intensities of the time-accelerated method were effective in testing the effects of real-time mechanical agitation on the microbiome.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/w15091757

Compressive Strength of Corrugated Paperboard Packages with Low and High Cutout Rates: Numerical Modelling and Experimental Validation

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl Damian Mrówczyński Lajos Fehér

Publication Name: Materials

Publication Date: 2023-03-01

Volume: 16

Issue: 6

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The finite element method is a widely used numerical method to analyze structures in virtual space. This method can be used in the packaging industry to determine the mechanical properties of corrugated boxes. This study aims to create and validate a numerical model to predict the compression force of corrugated cardboard boxes by considering the influence of different cutout configurations of sidewalls. The types of investigated boxes are the following: the width and height of the boxes are 300 mm in each case and the length dimension of the boxes varied from 200 mm to 600 mm with a 100 mm increment. The cutout rates were 0%, 4%, 16%, 36%, and 64% with respect to the total surface area of sidewalls of the boxes. For the finite element analysis, a homogenized linear elastic orthotropic material model with Hill plasticity was used. The results of linear regressions show very good estimations to the numerical and experimental box compression test (BCT) values in each tested box group. Therefore, the numerical model can give a good prediction for the BCT force values from 0% cutout to 64% cutout rates. The accuracy of the numerical model decreases a little when the cutout rates are high. Based on the results, this paper presents a numerical model that can be used in the packaging design to estimate the compression strength of corrugated cardboard boxes.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ma16062360

Decision on single-use and reusable food packaging: searching for the optimal solution using a fuzzy mathematical approach

Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Publication Date: 2023-02-01

Volume: 103

Issue: 3

Page Range: 1042-1048

Description:

BACKGROUND: In modern food supply chains it is becoming increasingly important for companies to have sustainable product packaging systems. Deciding the protection, marketing, and logistical function of packaging, at optimal cost, is a very complex matter for professionals. The decision is usually between disposable (single-use) and reusable (returnable) packaging solutions and their special characteristics. In practice, the focus of this decision is based on historical experience and traditions, taking a cost-based and/or a criteria-based approach. This considers a wide range of cost factors. Packaging cost is an important factor, but not the only one, in determining the optimal solution. RESULTS: This study presents a three-dimensional fuzzy signature model with a fuzzy method that can be applied to the packaging decision problem to investigate the interconnections among factors that affect the final results, beyond simple binary logic. Two types of food packaging, beverage glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, were chosen to validate the usability of the model. CONCLUSION: Fuzzy signatures can model the subjectivity of human definitions and criteria using the knowledge of professionals – human knowledge, which is experienced under real conditions and is used in practice in the food-packaging decision process. Food-packaging decision components and the final decision can be determined by fuzzy algorithms using membership functions on aggregation and weighted values. © 2022 The Author. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11745

The effect of transportation vibration on the microbiological status of bottled mineral water

Balázs Ásványi Péter Böröcz Renáta Tihanyi-Kovács

Publication Name: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Publication Date: 2023-02-01

Volume: 103

Issue: 3

Page Range: 1059-1068

Description:

BACKGROUND: Microbiological status and stability are important in mineral waters because of increased global demand. An increase in distribution and supply chains has led to prolonged periods of transportation, causing microbiological changes. Therefore, this study examines the effect of vibration on mineral water quality. Freshly bottled and previously sterilized mineral waters inoculated with microbes isolated from freshly bottled water were tested. The water samples were exposed to random vibration using ASTM (D4169) truck level I, II and III standard vibration protocol for truck transportation at 4 × 1 h at 22 ± 1 °C. After agitation their microbiological status was determined. RESULTS: Under the influence of low-intensity mechanical impact, the growth rate of autochthonous species in the freshly bottled natural mineral water tripled (μcontrol = 0.036 h−1, μvibrated = 0.093 h−1) and that of allochthonous species doubled (μcontrol = 0.035 h−1, μvibrated = 0.069 h−1). The latter was also observed in the case of high-intensity vibration (μcontrol = 0.102 h−1, μvibrated = 0.200 h−1). The effect of the medium intensity of the standard was manifested in the delay in microbial growth. CONCLUSION: The impact of transportation vibrations on microbiological status changes in mineral water could be observed when subjected to vibration. The native and allochthonous species of mineral water respond differently to changes in intensity. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11787

Impact Shock Events in Multimodal Container Transshipment for Packaging Testing

Péter Böröcz Zsófia Németh

Publication Name: Fme Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 51

Issue: 2

Page Range: 161-168

Description:

In modern global supply chains, intermodal and multimodal distribution has become essential means of transportation. The combination of different modes of transport is the most commonly used method for distributing shipments between continents. This paper examines and measures physical events, such as shock and impact, that occur while transporting 40ft long ISO containers using multiple modes of transport. These events can directly affect the integrity of packaged products and cause damage. The study focuses on events such as transshipments and handling of containers in hubs and terminals. The impact shock levels were separately analyzed in all three-dimensional directions, namely vertical, longitudinal, and lateral. The results indicate the percentage of occurrence below a given impact level using statistical characteristics of the events that occurred. The magnitude and mean of acceleration levels, pulse duration, and velocity change are also reported.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5937/fme2302161N

Application of Fuzzy Theory to Investigate the Effect of Innovation Power in the Emergence of an Advanced Reusable Packaging System

Ádám Bukovics P. Földesi A. Buruzs Péter Böröcz L. T. Koczy

Publication Name: Fuzzy Systems Modeling in Environmental and Health Risk Assessment

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 299-307

Description:

In this chapter, the authors present a novel technique to analyze the role of subjective factors such as innovations in the economy that influence the design of reusable packaging systems in a given industrial region. The focus of this chapter is on the power of innovation, which is not a directly measurable unit. Nowadays, with modern supply chains, companies and packaging engineers have to determine what constitutes adequate packaging with optimal waste. These decisions are usually based on known data and information, but the goal now is to create packaging that has a more favorable environmental impact than before. It seems obvious that more advanced regions will create more advanced packaging systems, but either way having an innovative milieu is a necessary prerequisite of this. This chapter shows that a willingness to innovate is an indispensable requirement of the design of advanced packaging and that most of the time this depends on the synergic effect of local production factors and regional peculiarities.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/9781119569503.ch16

Measurement and analysis of low-acceleration and long-duration longitudinal events using delivery van

Kyle Dunno Péter Böröcz Csaba Pánczél S. Paul Singh

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 36

Issue: 1

Page Range: 45-53

Description:

This study investigates longitudinal acceleration events during freight transportation characterized as low-acceleration and long-duration using delivery van type vehicles. In the past several decades, there has been an increase in shipments requiring only single or small pallet load quantities and mixed palletized unit loads comprised of different goods. These loads are often transported in delivery vans without load securing devices, increasing the risk of product loss and damage due to load failures resulting from unit loads shifting. A field data acquisition system was used to observe and record the random acceleration events from five vehicles for 5 days, explicitly targeting the vehicles' braking and acceleration manoeuvres. The study aimed to understand the physical phenomenon and provide new information that can be used during preshipment tests to prevent damage to goods and ensure unit load integrity is maintained throughout the supply chain. The events were statistically analysed to understand their probability of occurrence, severity level, and quantify critical parameters such as event rise and hold times. For the braking manoeuvre, the statistical mean of average deceleration was 0.25 g with a corresponding rise and hold duration of 0.83 and 1.27 s, respectively. During the vehicle's acceleration manoeuvre, the statistical mean of average acceleration was 0.29 g with a rise and hold time of 1.29 and 1.39 s, respectively. Utilizing the field data, composite profiles were developed, and these profiles were compared to the currently available test procedures and previous results of other studies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2691

The Effect of Side Wall Cutout Sizes on Corrugated Box Compression Strength in the Function of Length-to-Width Ratios—An Experimental Study

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl Lajos Fehér

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2022-07-01

Volume: 12

Issue: 14

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Packaging made from corrugated cardboard is a widely used solution in modern supply chains for the handling, storage and distribution of goods. These packages are required to maintain adequate protection conditions; however, in many cases, the cardboard box dimensions, handles and/or ventilation holes, quality and their configuration could compromise its protection strength. This study observes and evaluates the performance of corrugated cardboard boxes made with B-flute boards by considering different cutout sizes from the side walls (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) in various box length–width ratios of 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm and 600 mm in length and a constant 300 mm width and height. Box compression tests were performed in a laboratory, and results were compared with mathematical statistics. In each cutout case, the maximum compression force was observed with the box with dimensions of 400 × 300 × 300 mm. The measurement results showed that the 1.33 length-to-width ratio has the best maximum compression force result. The statistical tests showed that there is no significant difference between the 0% and 20% cutout groups.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app12146939

The Effect of Forklift Type, Pallet Design, Entry Speed, and Top Load on the Horizontal Shock Impacts Exerted during the Interactions between Pallet and Forklift

Laszlo Horvath Péter Böröcz Jorge Masis

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2022-07-01

Volume: 12

Issue: 14

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Forklift handling of palletized loads produces shock impacts that cause significant damage, affecting the durability and life cycle of pallets and unit loads. Laboratory testing processes using an incline impact tester have been developed to assess the resistance of pallets and unit loads to shock impact damage. A key element of the pallet durability test using the incline impact tester is the intensity of the impact. However, there is a lack of information on the intensity of the shock impacts during forklift handling. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of forklift type, pallet design, entry speed, and top load on the horizontal shock responses measured during the interactions between pallets and forklifts. Two data loggers, SAVER 3X90 and 3D15, were used to measure the horizontal shock impacts experienced during the same event on both the pallet and the forklift. The results showed that the average peak acceleration of the forklift was 2.98 G; the same event resulted in a 4.4 times greater peak acceleration in the pallet. The average duration of these impacts was 10–12 ms. Pallet design and entry speed had the greatest effect on the response measured for the forklift, while the pallet was most heavily influenced by entry speed and forklift type. The paper mainly focused on measuring the severity of the impacts and did not attempt to correlate the measured impacts to damage experienced by unit loads.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app12147035

Vertical random vibration test spectrum to simulate forklift handling environment

Laszlo Horvath Péter Böröcz Yu Yang Huang

Publication Name: Journal of Testing and Evaluation

Publication Date: 2022-03-01

Volume: 50

Issue: 2

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Analyzing and measuring the vibration environment during distribution is fundamental to understanding and simulating the ability of a packaged-product system to avoid any damages from transportation hazards. During distribution, various vehicles, including forklifts, are used to perform shipping and handling tasks such as loading, unloading, and warehouse organizing processes. The aim of this paper was to provide an understanding of the average vibration levels that occur during handling so they can be used in pre-shipment testing. Various forklifts were observed, measured, and analyzed to obtain information about their average vibration levels while performing recommended tests. The measured acceleration-time data were analyzed in terms of power spectral densities (PSD) and presented with statistical data that provided an understanding of the variability of intensity. The PSD peaks were between approximately 2.5 and 5 Hz, and then they decreased to 120 Hz. The number of instances over 120 Hz was extremely low. The final recommended vibration test spectrum was determined to be in the frequency range of 1–120 Hz and the data were smoothed between six breakpoints.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1520/JTE20210293

Vibration levels of stacked parcel packages in laboratory test environment. Over-tested or under-tested?

Péter Böröcz Bence Molnar Csaba Pánczél Zsófia Németh

Publication Name: Acta Technica Jaurinensis

Publication Date: 2021-08-25

Volume: 14

Issue: 3

Page Range: 259-269

Description:

Courier express parcel (CEP) shipments become one of the most important delivery methods in the Business-to-Consumer sales model. This paper observed and analyzed the vertical vibration levels that occur in stacked and unsecured parcels during express delivery versus the simulation in the laboratory. At the end, a detailed comparison is reported between the field and laboratory vibration levels (based on standard PSD test profile) in the frequency range of 1 – 200 Hz. For the measurement a three-layer stacked unit was used building from corrugated box samples. The result shows and analyzes the vibration levels in the stacked layers in comparison to the ISTA (International Safe Transport Association) vibration protocol where only a single parcel is required to be tested without any stacking configuration.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.14513/actatechjaur.00603

Experimental comparison of field and accelerated random vertical vibration levels of stacked packages for small parcel delivery shipments

Péter Böröcz Bence Molnar

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2021-04-01

Volume: 11

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in parcel delivery shipments all over the world due to online stores and consumer demand to receive the products in a shorter period of time. It is especially true when situations like COVID-19 limits personal purchases in shopping malls as well as grocery and pharmaceutical stores. This often means that courier operators try to deliver packages utilizing vehicles with racks or shelves, which during the COVID-19 epidemic are not there anymore. This study measured the vertical vibration levels that occur in stacked parcels during express delivery versus the simulation technique in the laboratory. The goal of this paper was to measure and compare the vibration levels between laboratory practice and field transportation. For the measurement a three-layer stacked unit was built to observe the vibration levels on different road conditions in a parcel delivery vehicle and ASTM vibration profile (ASTM International). Then the measured acceleration-time data were analyzed in terms of power spectral densities (PSD) and the presented statistical data provided an understanding of the variability of intensity in different levels in stacked unit. The results showed that the vibration level increases in the stacked load upwards and with worse road conditions, but even in the worst case it did not reach those vibration levels that the laboratory test showed. Moreover, the layers of the stacked unit are in out-of-phase motion in the field, while the stacked unit in the vibration simulation usually is in-phase motion. Results indicate that the proposed vibration simulation does not correlate well with typical field vibration. This is fundamentally true as during a forced vibration created by a single-axis shaker, do not account for additional inputs occurring simultaneously creating an off-balance to the loads and as a result are less severe than simulated conditions. These findings are limited to single axis vibration simulation and unsecured loads.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app11072927

Measurement and analysis of industrial forklifts vibration levels for unit load testing purposes

Laszlo Horvath Péter Böröcz Yu Yang Huang

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2021-04-01

Volume: 11

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Forklifts are one of the most common types of material handling equipment used in warehouses and distribution centers. Vibration generated by forklifts may have an effect on the performance of unit loads and product damage rates. Historical research projects have focused predominantly on the measurement of vibration for over-the-road transportation. Thus, there is still a lack of understanding of the level of vibration caused by forklifts. The goal of this study was to understand how the vibration that is experienced by unit loads while being transported by forklifts is affected by factors such as speed, road condition, unit load weight, type of forklift, and sensor location. For this study, power spectral density (PSD) measurements were collected using a Lansmont Saver 9X30 data logger. Vibration levels were measured for three different industrial forklifts on two different surface types. The forklifts were driven at two different speeds while carrying two different unit load weights. For all of these conditions, the vibration levels were measured at the forklift carriage, at the back of the fork tine heel, and at the fork tine tips. The results obtained show that the highest vibrational intensity occurred at 3–4 Hz, while the highest overall Grms value observed was 0.145 G2/Hz (between 1–200 Hz). An increase in the forklift speed caused an increase in vibration intensity. In contrast, an increase in the unit load weight carried by the forklift caused a decrease in vibration intensity. Among the three forklifts studied, the gas-powered forklift had the highest vibration intensity, and all forklifts, when driven on asphalt, experienced more vibration.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app11072901

Effect of temperature changes on the vibration transmissibility of xpe and pe packaging cushioning material

Péter Böröcz Péter Csavajda

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2021-01-02

Volume: 11

Issue: 2

Page Range: 1-18

Description:

Polyethylene (PE) and its variations are among the most traditional materials used for cushioning in packaging systems. The role of these materials is to prevent damages during handling and distribution processes from physical events such as vibration stress. This study presents new results on the characterization of properties of PE and XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) packaging materials, which have significant relevance as a protective mechanism due to their vibration transmissibility and frequency curve properties. The main goal of this study is the evaluation of vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushion material at varied real temperature and static load conditions through a series of experiments using a vibration tester and climate chamber to determine the peak frequencies, vibration transmissibility, and damping ratios. The results can be used by engineers in the package-design process, and can be useful in different distribution conditions. Three different kinds of static loads and a 0.5 oct/min sine sweep of vibration test were used to find the peak frequencies and vibration transmissibility at −20◦C, 0◦C, 20◦C and 40◦C to estimate the damping ratios. The results provided a better understanding of the materials and can assist in the design of suitable protective packaging systems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app11020482

Experimental Study on Vibration Transmissibility of Pre-loaded XPE and PE Packaging Cushioning Material

Péter Böröcz Péter Csavajda

Publication Name: Fme Transactions

Publication Date: 2021-01-01

Volume: 49

Issue: 4

Page Range: 962-968

Description:

Most of the shipped products are sensitive against shock and vibration events during the distribution. Various cushioning materials are usually used to prevent the product damages. During the design process the protective packaging system is developed by the engineers based on the cushion and vibration transmissibility features (ie. cushion curve) of the material used. However, after the assembly of the packaged-product, these are stored for various long periods in warehouse. During this time the products pre-load the cushioning material and its parameters can be changed. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushioning material at varied storage (preloaded) time and static load conditions. Four different kinds of duration (1 hour, 10 hours, 100 hours and 1000 hours) were used for the pre-loading period at three different static loads (3.488 kPa, 4.651 kPa, and 6.976 kPa), and then at 0.5 oct/min sine sweep vibration the peak frequencies of response and vibration transmissibility, and damping ratio were determined. The results show that the effect of pre-loading is minimal by PE material, but can influence the resonance frequencies by XPE cushioning material. The findings of this study help the packaging engineers to understand better the mechanism of these cushioning materials and to design suitable protective packaging systems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5937/FME2104962C

Measurement and analysis of vibration levels in stacked small package shipments in delivery vans as a function of free movement space

Péter Böröcz Bence Molnar

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2020-11-01

Volume: 10

Issue: 21

Page Range: 1-13

Description:

In recent years there has been a very significant increase in parcel delivery shipments all over the world. Moreover, this mode of delivery, in some cases, is facing a very intensive flow of goods, such as in annual festive seasons or, for instance, in situations like COVID-19 when personal purchase of goods is strictly limited in malls. This often means that delivery vehicles operate at almost full capacity, and many same or different kinds of packages are therefore stacked in small delivery vehicles. In this study, we measured and analyzed the vibration levels that occur in smaller stacks of packages in parcel delivery shipments, paying particular attention to those circumstances such as stacking layers and free movement spaces that can affect the vibration in different layers of packages. The goal of this paper was to provide information about the vibration levels that occur in smaller stacks of packages that are not unitized and fixed, as is common in parcel transportation. The recorded vibration events were analyzed in terms of power spectral densities (PSDs) and supplied with statistical data of acceleration events to provide an understanding of the variability of intensity. Based on the results of this study, PSD spectra were developed for various free movement conditions, as well as spectra for each layer in the stacked parcel package shipment. The results showed that the vibration level increases in the stacked load upwards and with an increase of free space of possible movement. The results of this study can be used to simulate the measured vibration conditions in laboratory tests conducted on courier express parcel shipments.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app10217821

Fuzzy approach for the decision on disposable or returnable packaging

P. Földesi Péter Böröcz Kata Vöröskoi L. T. Koczy

Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland

Publication Date: 2020-09-01

Volume: 12

Issue: 18

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In modern logistics, companies and packaging engineers have to make decisions to find the optimal sustainable product-packaging system with adequate protection. The decision most often involves a decision option between disposable (single-trip) and reusable (returnable) packaging solutions. In practice, in most cases, this decision is based on historical data and traditions and only considers the packaging material and investment expenses. Although cost is an important factor, it is not the only one needed to find the optimal solution. Several other alternative factors further complicate the situation. Traditional (two-valued) logic is not able to model this problem. This study presents a novel technique to help the decision-making process using the application of fuzzy approach. The authors used three different fuzzy signatures connected by fuzzy rules to model the packaging decisions, which were based on logistics expert opinions. Practical examples are presented concerning both customer packaging (primary packaging) and industrial transport packaging (secondary packaging) as well.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/SU12187304

Vibration levels of stacked automotive engine rack in truck shipments as a function of vehicle speed and road condition

Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: Journal of Testing and Evaluation

Publication Date: 2020-01-29

Volume: 49

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In the past three decades, there has been a tremendous global shift in the use of returnable or reusable packaging in the automotive industry. This article focuses on the physical vibration forces that occur in a very important type of package system designed for engines and transmissions, namely the steel racks that have vertical posts on the four vertical edges that allow higher return ratios when empty. Engines and transmissions require zero damage acceptance levels today, as they are mated at the end of the assembly process, and they need to function 100 % of the time as the vehicle rolls off the finish line. They also are the most expensive components of the vehicle. This study was conducted to investigate the vibration environment of the stacked engine rack during truck transportation with various truck speeds, road conditions, and other road characteristics, such as speed bumps and railway crossings. Triaxial acceleration data were collected both on the truck floor as well as on the stacked racks themselves to determine the differences of vibration levels from truck floor to the stacked rack where vibration intensity increased. This study found that there were significant vibration severities in the stacked racks in all three orientations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1520/JTE20180782

Hierarchical fuzzy decision support methodology for dangerous goods packaging design

Péter Böröcz Kata Vöröskoi Gergő Fogarasi L. T. Koczy

Publication Name: Studies in Computational Intelligence

Publication Date: 2020-01-01

Volume: 819

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 1-7

Description:

In the field of logistics packaging (industrial-, or even customer packaging), companies have to take decisions on determining the optimal packaging solutions and expenses. The decisions often involve a choice between one-way (disposable) and reusable (returnable) packaging solutions. Even nowadays, in most cases the decisions are made based on traditions and mainly consider the material and investment costs, but many other aspects are important as well. Traditional (two-valued) logic is not suitable for modeling this problem, so the application of a fuzzy signature approach was considered. In a previous paper a fuzzy signature modeling the packaging decision was suggested, based on logistics expert opinions, in order to support the decision making process of choosing the right packaging system. The aim of this study is to improve the model and apply it for dangerous goods packaging.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16024-1_1

Performance and analysis of unitized stacked load units under vibration simulation

Péter Böröcz Bence Molnar

Publication Name: Fme Transactions

Publication Date: 2020-01-01

Volume: 48

Issue: 1

Page Range: 96-101

Description:

The unitized loads are the major form of the packed product transportation in logistics, and in most of the cases the packages are fixed to the pallet with straps, stretch film or these combinations to avoid the possible damages of products inside. During transportation various physical events such as vibration affect the product-packaging system. The nature of this vibration between the layers of stacked unit is not fully researched and understood. This paper focuses on the different motion of the layers in the unitized load in the function of the fixing modes using laboratory vibration simulations. Therefore, multiple unitized loads were built from the same quality corrugated paper boxes in three layers with various fixing modes to measure each layer motion separately. To carry out the simulation procedure, acceleration and vibration intensity on each layer was observed under sine and random vibration simulation. The recorded data shows, which layer motion is the most disparate from the excited motion, and which fixing variant causes this difference.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5937/fmet2001096M

Vibration and acceleration levels of multimodal container shipping physical environment

Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2019-06-01

Volume: 32

Issue: 6

Page Range: 269-277

Description:

In global supply chains, multimodal transportation plays a dominant role in worldwide shipping. The rail, truck, and vessel combination is the most commonly used mode for non-time sensitive shipments between continents. This study focused on measuring the transportation environment effects (vibration and acceleration levels) in 40-foot ISO container shipments using multiple modes of transport, originating in Hungary and destined for Mexico, India, and China over several weeks. The study also measured multimodal shipping routes without vessel transportation to China over Trans-Siberian and Trans-Manchurian railway lines. The transshipments and handling events in container hubs and terminals were separately analyzed. The results show the comparison of vibration intensity (in PSD) of different route conditions between various continents, and the possibility of acceleration levels during transshipments and handling events. The measured data show that extreme acceleration levels in vertical direction (9.37 G) occur while containers are handled in a seaport, and in lateral (4.45 G) and longitudinal (5.55 G) directions while they are transshipped by truck to rail container terminals. The rail vibration levels in Russia and China showed a lower intensity in the frequency range of 1 to 15 Hz, and higher between 15 and 200 Hz than in Europe; the lowest vibration levels occurred when the containers traveled on the sea, and truck vibration levels were very similar to previous research and ISTA protocols.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2434

Observation of stacked corrugated paper boxes' motion under vibration simulation

Péter Böröcz Bence Molnar

Publication Name: 21st Iapri World Conference on Packaging 2018 Packaging Driving A Sustainable Future

Publication Date: 2019-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 160-167

Description:

The unitized loads are the major form of the packed product transportation, and most of the cases the packages are fixed to the pallet with straps, stretch film or these combinations. During transport, various vibrations occur in the packaging-product system, which can damage the products. Many of studies focus on the nature of these vibrations, but the vibration varies between the layers of stacked packaging is not fully researched. This paper focuses on the different motion of the layers in the unitized loads in function of the fixing mode to the pallet. Therefore, multiple unitized loads were built from the same corrugated paper boxes in three layers with various fixing mode, to measure each layer motion during vibration. To carry out the simulation procedure, acceleration on each layer was recorded under sine and random vibration simulation. The recorded data shows, which layer motion is the most disparate from the excited motion, which fixing variant caused this difference.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available

Discrete fourier transform and cepstrum analysis of vibration events on semi-trailer truck

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl

Publication Name: Fme Transactions

Publication Date: 2019-01-01

Volume: 47

Issue: 1

Page Range: 177-182

Description:

The aim of this paper is to present a novel techniqe to analyse the vibration signals during transportation in order to give new information to engineers to better understand these physical events. One of the primary sources of damages during transportation is the permanent vibration transmitted from the platform of semi-trailer to the cargo. The nature of this vibration depends on the road conditions and the features of the vehicle. In this study, a 2-axle-truck with a 3-axle-semi-trailer equipped with air spring suspension was observed to analyse the vibration circumstances. The affecting factors during the transportation were the type of the road (motorway, primary road, secondary road, tertiary road), and different vehicle speed levels. The vibration events were measured and registered on the platform of the trailer, then these values were evaluated in MATLAB environment. The presence of the harmonic vibrational components, the stationarity of the mode shapes, the characteristic frequency narrow-bands of the RMS and PSD values were primarily studied. The applied methods that were used are: discrete Fourier transformation, autocorrelation-, cross-correlation functions and cepstrum analysis.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5937/fmet1901177P

Climate conditions in ISO container shipments from Hungary to South Africa and Asia

Péter Böröcz Péter Csavajda

Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Transportation Engineering

Publication Date: 2019-01-01

Volume: 47

Issue: 3

Page Range: 233-241

Description:

The aim of this paper is to provide useful information about climate conditions of transcontinental shipments from Hungary and compare them to the climate profiles of conditioning standards. The climatic environments inside ISO intermodal containers carrying automotive products to three different destinations in India, China and South Africa were measured. All three recorded surveys contain temperature and relative humidity data while the containers were stored outdoors and indoors and travelled on truck, rail and ship. The measured data was analyzed and mean statistical values of daily temperature and RH shifts were determined for each route. The recorded data shows that 50 % of maximum temperature and RH shifts occurred in the EU continent. Temperature and relative humidity distribution as a function of cumulative percentages [%] of the duration of total shipping was also determined and compared to the climate profiles of conditioning standards. It shows that peak temperature and RH ranges occur mostly in the defined duration of conditioning testing time.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3311/PPtr.11585

Measurement and analysis of delivery van vibration levels to simulate package testing for parcel delivery in Hungary

Péter Böröcz S. Paul Singh

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2018-05-01

Volume: 31

Issue: 5

Page Range: 342-352

Description:

In the past several decades, there continues to be an increase in both domestic and international online and catalogue shipments that requires an increase in shipments and handling of parcels by single parcel delivery companies. This study measured the vibration levels that occur in parcel delivery shipments from pickup to delivery, especially the sections involving delivery vans and small vehicles over ground road transportation in Hungary. Goods that were shipped in the regions studied almost always travel at least once by van on varying road conditions such as motorways, main, side or city roads to deliver parcels to the final destination. The aim of this paper was to provide an understanding of vibration levels that occur during van transportation that can be used to pre-shipment test new packages to prevent damage. The measured acceleration-time data were analyzed in terms of power spectral densities (PSDs) and presented with statistical data to provide an understanding of the variability of intensity. The separated and averaged vibration levels that were measured in this study were compared with the American Society of Testing and Materials and the International Safe Transit Association vibration profiles for pickup and delivery vehicle in the form of PSD spectrums. Based on the analyzed data of this study, PSD spectra were provided for various route conditions as well as composite spectra, which can be used to simulate the measured vibration conditions representing van shipments.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2327

Averaged vibration levels during courier parcel delivery service in small truck in Hungary

Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: Fme Transactions

Publication Date: 2018-01-01

Volume: 46

Issue: 2

Page Range: 211-217

Description:

In recent years there continues to be an increase in courier parcel delivery services due to the growing global online economy and express parcel shipments. It is therefore important to measure and quantify the levels of vibration that occur inside the vehicle during transport, as it can be one of the primary sources of damages. The purpose of this study was to measure the averaged vibration levels in vertical, lateral and longitudinal directions that occur in courier delivery shipments from pickup to delivery involving small trucks over ground road transportation in Hungary. The recorded acceleration data were analyzed in terms of power spectral densities (PSD) and presented with overall Grms. The results of the separated afnd averaged vibration levels provide physical circumstances for various road and load conditions showing those frequency bands that have significant intensities.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.5937/fmet1802211B

Vibration levels in vans as a function of payload and leaf spring sheet number

Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: Journal of Testing and Evaluation

Publication Date: 2018-01-01

Volume: 46

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Measuring the vehicle vibration environment is essential to understanding and simulating the adequacy of a packaged-product system and its ability to ensure protection from transportation hazards. In the transportation industry, various vehicles are used to perform shipping tasks, including light commercial vehicles that became the most popular vehicles in single unit and lightweight package transportation. In this study, the transport vibration levels in vans were measured as a function of payload and number of leaf spring sheets used. The vans consisted of one with a 20 % payload of total capacity and another with an 80 % payload. The vans were divided into two groups: Those with a single leaf spring and those with a double leaf spring. The measurement conditions were the motorway and speed between 110 and 130 km/h. The results revealed that transport vibration levels are affected by payload and the number of spring sheets. A low payload and single leaf spring contributed to the highest transport vibration levels. The power density level peaks were between 1.5 and 3.5 Hz, then around 15 Hz.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1520/JTE20160538

Measurement and Analysis of Vibration Levels in Rail Transport in Central Europe

Péter Böröcz S. Paul Singh

Publication Name: Packaging Technology and Science

Publication Date: 2017-08-01

Volume: 30

Issue: 8

Page Range: 361-371

Description:

In the last decade, with a continued change in world economic conditions and global trade, transportation of goods has continued to increase. The opening of new and existing markets requires that products and packages move through various regions of the world using available logistical equipment and networks at a faster pace. It also requires that damage be kept at a minimum while providing maximum safety to individuals. This can be achieved by properly designing packages to transportation levels that occur in the supply chain. The purpose of this research is to both measure and analyse the vibration physical forces that occur during rail transport. Rail shipments are widely used across the world, and they are an integral part of the intermodal transfer of ISO containers from ships and trucks to rail. The aim of this paper is to provide vibration levels measured for rail shipments on a major railway line in Central Europe that has not been previously published. The vibration levels that were measured in this study were compared with American Society of Testing and Materials, United States Military Standards and United Kingdom Defense Standard standards and International Safe Transit Association procedures in the form of power spectral density spectrums. A composite power spectral density spectrum is provided which can be used to simulate the measured rail vibration levels in Central Europe. Results are also compared with rail travel in other international shipments for North America and Asia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1002/pts.2225

Measurement and analysis of logistic stresses in packaging with a carrying handle

Ákos Mojzes Zoltán Páncźel Péter Böröcz

Publication Name: 18th Iapri World Packaging Conference

Publication Date: 2012-12-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 347-354

Description:

Carrying handles of packagings have a great importance in the comfortable and safe handling of packed products. Producers and consumers have to face occasionally damaged carrying handles that considerably increase the possibility of the damage of the product. These carrying handles are of a wide variety, depending on the package size, packaging material, weight, etc. The main reason for frequent product damages is due to the fact that producers lack the sufficient knowledge of stresses. In this paper we analyze the stresses and propose a measurement process for packaging with a carrying handle. We measure the stresses via a range of standard equipment (cameras, accelerometers, shaker table). In addition, we provide a general framework and the description of a test environment for the accurate reproduction of the logistic stresses appearing in packaging with a carrying handle.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available

The Effect of Rectangle Shaped Cutouts of Corrugated Paperboard Packages on Compressive Strength of Boxes

Péter Böröcz Lajos Fehér

Publication Name: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 81-87

Description:

Corrugated paperboard boxes are widely used as packaging in logistics processes. Corrugated boxes must have adequate strength to ensure proper protection of the product. In many cases, the product will require cutouts in the side walls of the boxes. These significantly affect the strength behavior of the box which can be determined by measurements and various models. The aim of this study is to determine the compressive strength of corrugated cardboard boxes of different sizes and different rectangle shaped cutouts formed on them. Five different box dimensions and five different cutout rates were investigated. Box compression tests were carried out to obtain the compression force result of the boxes. The results of these measurements were compared with the box compression force estimation formulas. Two types of McKee formula were used for the comparison that are commonly used in industry. The complete and the simplified McKee formulas are the used models in this study. The constant parameters for both McKee formulas was calculated for each cutout rates. For higher cutout ratios the accuracy of both the simplified and the complete McKee formula increases. In three groups at 0%, 4% and 16% cutouts the fitted complete and simplified McKee formulas predict the BCT results with significant differences. It can be observed that neither the complete nor the simplified McKee formula is able to account for changes in compression force due to variations in box size for any cutout category.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3233/ATDE240530

Analysis of Transient-Like Vertical acceleration Events on Semi-Trailer Truck to Simulate Package Testing

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl

Publication Name: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 217-223

Description:

In road traffic, encountering significant bumps is common, especially at sunken railway crossings, tertiary roads, and poorly maintained access roads. Speed bumps, also known as "sleeping policemen," exacerbate the issue, requiring drivers to slow down abruptly. Depending on visibility and anticipation, vehicles approach these obstacles at various speeds, resulting in impact loads primarily in the vertical direction on the vehicle's load platform. Accelerations exceeding g-force levels can cause cargo to bounce, leading to potential damage and horizontal sliding, particularly problematic for semi-trailer trucks carrying high-value goods. This study focused on measuring and evaluating this effect using a specific speed bump model simulating a defined road defect on a particular vehicle. The highest vertical acceleration recorded was 2.4G at a speed of 10 km/h. At 5 km/h, the acceleration was 0.76G, while at 15 km/h, it reached 1.9G. These findings suggest that a speed around 10 km/h poses the most risk for such vehicles, with acceleration levels expected to decrease for both slower and faster speeds.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3233/ATDE240548

Compression Strength Estimation of Corrugated Board Boxes for a Reduction in Sidewall Surface Cutouts—Experimental and Numerical Approaches

Péter Böröcz Renáta Pidl Lajos Fehér

Publication Name: Materials

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 16

Issue: 2

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Corrugated cardboard boxes are generally used in modern supply chains for the handling, storage, and distribution of numerous goods. These packages require suitable strength to maintain adequate protection within the package; however, the presence and configuration of any cutouts on the sidewalls significantly influence the packaging costs and secondary paperboard waste. This study aims to evaluate the performance of CCBs by considering the influence of different cutout configurations of sidewalls. The compression strength of various B-flute CCB dimensions (200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 m, and 600 mm in length, with the same width and height of 300 mm), each for five cutout areas (0%, 4%, 16%, 36%, and 64%) were experimentally observed, and the results were compared with the McKee formula for estimation. The boxes with cutout areas of 0%, 4%, 16%, 36%, and 64% showed a linear decreasing tendency in compression force. A linear relationship was found between compression strength and an increase in cutout sizes. Packages with 0% and 4% cutouts did not show significant differences in compression strength (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this study shows a possible way to modify the McKee estimation for such boxes after obtaining empirical test data since the McKee formula works with a relatively high error rate on corrugated cardboard boxes with sidewall cutouts. Utilizing the numerical and experimental results, a favorable estimation map can be drawn up for packaging engineers to better manage material use and waste. The results of the study showed that the McKee formula does not appropriately estimate the box compression strength for various cutout sizes in itself.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ma16020597