Packaging and Distribution Dynamics

Who should attend? 

This specialist course, which is being offered both in person and virtually, will cover how distribution hazards (shocks and vibrations) are measured, analyzed, characterized, and simulated. And, how this information can help you design better packaging systems. 

This course is designed for engineers and scientists who are involved in the design, testing and optimization of packaging systems with a particular focus on minimizing product damage during distribution.

Some rudimentary knowledge of the fundemental concepts relating to mechanics and dynamics will be useful prior to attending the course. Preparatory materials relating to the relevant topics will be circulated to attendees before arrival at the course.

NOTE: This course is being held in conjunction with the IAPRI Member's Conference on June 9th-12th, 2025. You do not have to attend the conference to attend this short course. However, if you are coming to the IAPRI conference, you can register for this short course as an add on to that event.

Topics covered in this short course:

• In-depth examination of the dynamic motions that affect products and packaging during distribution.
• Analysis techniques for characterising and evaluating these motions and resulting forces including:
• How to calculate and interpret Vibration Power Density Spectra
• Statistical techniques to evaluate the random fluctuations in vibration levels.
• How to detect and deal with drive train and structural vibrations
• How to detect and characterise shocks and transients during transport
• How to analyse and characterise maneuvering acceleration and forces:
• Important engineering considerations for measurement of shocks, vibrations and maneuvering motions
• Evaluation of current measurement technologies
• A critical review of current technologies, methods and protocols for laboratory simulation.
• How to plan laboratory tests relevant to specific scenarios including: multi-axial vibrations simulation, nonstationary vibrations, shock-on-random vibrations, sine and swept-sine-on random simulation; lateral (maneuvering) motion testing.

This course will include practical exercises as well as demonstrations of the application of important laboratory test protocols. In-person attendees will also receive tours of CPULD's pallet and package testing laboratories. All attendees will be supplied with course notes.

Instructors:

Cost:

There are three types of tickets for this short course, detailed below. Each type of ticket can be purchased for in person attendance or for virtual attendance. All attendees will participate in two full days of lectures and coursework. In-person attendees will be served breakfast, be given lunch breaks, and have multiple daily snack breaks. Laboratory tours will also be scheduled for in person attendees. All participants will receive a certificate of completion within two weeks of successfully finishing the course:

• General Attendee (Public): $1,250.00 (late registration, $1,350.00)
• IAPRI or CPULD Member: $850.00 (late registration, $950.00)
• University Students: $650.00 (late registration, $700.00)

The regular rates are in effect until one month prior to the course. Register prior to May 13th, 2025 in order to ensure the best pricing!

NOTE: This course is being held in conjunction with the IAPRI Member's Conference on June 9th-12th, 2025. You do not have to attend the conference to attend this short course. However, if you are coming to the IAPRI conference, you can register for this short course as an add on to that event.

Time & Location:

This course is being held from 8:30am on Friday, June 13th thru 5:00pm on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. It will consist of two full days of lectures, assignments, and laboratory tours. In person attendees are expected to get themselves to the starting location each morning.

• Friday, June 13th: 8:30am to 5:00pm
• Saturday, June 14th: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Parking passes will be provided as this course will be held in the Brooks Center on VT campus. 

Hotels:

Please contact John Hale, john.hale@marriott.com, or Marriott directly at 540-552-5222, or register online using the direct link, once available, for your hotel room at the Courtyard by Marriott, 105 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

If you call, be sure to mention the short course you're in Blacksburg to attend in order to receive the discounted rate on your hotel room! 

Transportation:

The other nearby airports used by short course attendees are:

• Dulles International Airport, IAD (approx. 5 driving hours from Blacksburg, VA).
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CLT (approx. 3 driving hours from Blacksburg, VA).