Protecting Priceless Art: Shock & Vibration During Transit

CLEVELAND - March 6, 2025 - PRLog -- The world's priceless art is constantly on the move, traveling between museums, galleries, and private collections. According to recent data, the estimated value of art transported globally each year is around $68 billion! During these journeys, paintings face numerous risks, particularly from shocks and vibrations. Rough handling at museums, bumpy truck rides, and airport cargo operations can all lead to damage, potentially resulting in significant financial loss and the irreplaceable loss of cultural heritage. Imagine the cost of a damaged masterpiece, not just in monetary terms, but in the loss of history. This project aimed to redefine how we understand and mitigate these risks, leading to improved packaging and safer transport.

The Research Project: A Collaborative Approach

A research initiative was undertaken to develop a new system for classifying the shocks and vibrations that occur during artwork transport. By understanding these forces, we can better assess risks and establish tolerances for preventive measures. The project combined laboratory simulations with real-world transport measurements to evaluate existing packaging and develop future solutions.

Monitoring Real-World Shipments: Understanding Forces At Play

A practical solution was found in the MSR165 data logger. This compact device, equipped with an internal tri-axial acceleration sensor, humidity sensor, and a 4 GB micro SD memory card, allows for continuous measurements up to 3 days. Its small size and integrated sensors enable it to be mounted directly to a painting's frame or inside a crate, eliminating the need for bulky equipment and cables.

The MSR165 recorded data continuously at a sample rate of 1,600 Hz, allowing researchers to capture every shock and vibration event. The data was then downloaded and analyzed using software MATLAB to determine maximum values, RMS levels (a measure of average vibration intensity), and dominant frequencies.

Evaluating & Improving Packaging

To compare the effectiveness of different packaging systems used by different shipping companies, test journeys were conducted using trucks with air suspension. Up to 8 identical test paintings, each packaged differently, were subjected to the same stresses. MSR165 data loggers attached to the frame of each test painting recorded the vibrations experienced during the journey over highways, motorways and city traffic. The data collected from these tests allowed researchers to assess the pros and cons of various packaging methods and develop strategies for optimization. By analyzing the vibration data, they could see how well each packaging system protects the art.

This Application Note has been adapted from an article written by MSR Electronics GmbH. MSR is the manufacturer of the MSR165, their best-selling data logger for vibration and shocks.

For more information on the MSR165, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS DataLoggers Application Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or visit our website at https://www.dataloggerinc.com