Effects of temperature on the energy-absorbing characteristics of redwood. [For plutonium air transportable package]

Redwood is used as an impact energy-absorbing material in the plutonium air transportable (PAT) package. To function properly the redwood must retain its properties over a wide temperature range. Since data were not available, an experimental program was conducted on 3-inch cubes of redwood over the temperature range of -40 to 230/sup 0/F (-40 to 110/sup 0/C). The specific energy, average crushing stress, and percent compression at bottoming are presented for the 22 specimens tested. Average values show an approximately 10% decrease in the specific energy and average crushing stress for a temperature rise from 70 to 230/sup 0/F (21 to 110/sup 0/C); and an approximate 30% increase in these quantities for a decrease from 70 to -40/sup 0/F (21 to -40/sup 0/C). 10 figs.