Application of finite element analysis to predict the mechanical strength of ventilated corrugated paperboard packaging for handling fresh produce

The presence of vent holes in corrugated paperboard package causes material loss of the package, which compromises its strength and stability. To improve the structural design of fresh produce packages, it is important to understand the response of packages when subjected to various types and combinations of mechanical loads. This study aimed to develop a validated finite element analysis (FEA) model to study the structural behaviour of commonly used ventilated corrugated paperboard (VCP) package when subjected to compression load by considering the geometrical nonlinearities of the packages. Two package types were used: a control package without vent holes and standard vented packages. The FEA model accurately predicted the compression strength of the corrugated paperboard, control package and standard vent package. When compared with experimental results, the model predictions for the VCP package were within 10%. Compression strength of the standard vent packages were found to be linearly affected by paperboard liner thickness. Increasing and decreasing the baseline liner thickness of the standard vent package by 80% resulted in an increase and decrease in compression strength by about 15% and 19%, respectively. From the contact FEA model, maximum Von Mises stress was produced at the corners of the package. Von Mises stress was reduced by about 25% on changing the friction coefficient from 0 to 0.1. This study provides empirical evidence for package designers on how to improve the mechanical integrity of packages while at the same time aiming to maintain an optimum ventilation.