The efficacy of finite element analysis (FEA) as a design tool for food packaging: A review

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a powerful and prevalent numerical technique that has been developed into an indispensable modern tool for the modelling and simulation of various engineering processes, particularly in food packaging industries. The advent of advanced computing power and efficient FEA software packages, coupled with the reduced cost of the software packages, has viably advanced the use of FEA in effectively and efficiently simulating various engineering design problems. In food packaging, FEA is useful for simulating and studying the structural design of packages. This numerical technique, validated with experimental results, helps package designers to improve the mechanical integrity and strength of the packages in order to protect the produce and package against damage. Advances in information and communication technologies will expand prospects by developing sophisticated and user-friendly software towards more holistic analyses of the performance of food packages. This review presents the state of the art in the research and development of FEA for use in food packaging highlighting food processing operations. The advantages of using FEA, as well as the shortcomings and challenges encountered by users of FEA in food packaging are also highlighted.