Mizan Chennault
Research Mentor: Adam Rountrey
Mentor Department: Museum of Paleontology, LSA
Author(s): Mizan Chennault, Lukas Soto, Adam Rountrey
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 31
Abstract
Fossils are essential to scientific research and education on the history of life, and fragile, unique specimens are often transported between museums to support studies or exhibitions. Despite the fragility of fossil materials, museums do not use standardized methods to package them for shipment. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, fossils are frequently transported using packaging methods that may risk damage. In this study, commonly used fossil packaging methods were empirically evaluated in drop tests to identify configurations that effectively reduced the peak g-force experienced by the fossils. Candidate packaging techniques for three fossil size categories were identified via an international survey of museums and other institutional fossil collections. Each packaging technique underwent controlled drop testing from a 1-m height, with peak impact acceleration measured using a high-speed, three-axis accelerometer attached to the fossil model. Lower peak g-forces correspond to better shock absorption. Tests for the small category included three primary packing materials (polyester batting, ethafoam sheet, and tissue paper) and four secondary packaging materials (polyester batting, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and ethafoam cavity). The effect of placing the primary packing in an additional box inside the secondary packing material was also tested. Accelerometer data were analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with primary and secondary packing material as interacting fixed effects, extra box as a fixed effect, and packaging attempt as a random effect. Estimated marginal means show that firmer secondary packaging leads to higher peak acceleration, with packing peanuts and ethafoam cavity showing peak acceleration in the range of about 60 to 90 g. Softer secondary materials produce lower peak acceleration in the range of about 40 to 55 g. The presence of an additional box between the primary and secondary materials had no effect. These results indicate that some commonly used museum packing methods for small objects should be avoided to reduce the risk of damage.
