Containment force readings using a pull plate or similar tool are treated as a single force when in reality they are a combination of the compressive force (AKA wrapping force) and the stiffness (AKA stretch resistance) of the wrapped film on the load. Compression and stiffness each contribute to load stability but in different ways. Their contributions are dependent on the inherent vulnerability of the load to different failure modes. This study is a look at the roles of compression and stiffness as isolated variables and the balance required to stabilize a variety of loads with different stabilization requirements. 

Takeaways: What forces comprise “Containment Force” and how are they balanced during a pull plate test. - How to better understand a load’s inherent stability / failure vulnerability and the changing contribution requirements of compression and stiffness."