Influence of Stiffeners for Improving the Compressive Strength of Ventilated Corrugated Packages Using Finite Element Modelling Technique

Abstract

The aim of this research is to optimize the corrugated fibreboard (CFB) boxes recommended by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for packaging apples and suggest improvements for the same with the help of finite element modelling technique. The motivation for the current study grew with the advent of the multipurpose use of corrugated fibreboard as a structural material, particularly for packaging boxes. A standard double walled (DW) panel box is considered for improvements in terms of ventilation slot configuration and reduction in material utilization for manufacturing through the implementation of a single walled (SW) panel box design. In order to maintain the structural integrity upon reduction in box construction material, the concept of stiffener has been introduced as a load-bearing enhancement feature. These enhancements will help establish a rationale and enable the corrugated fibreboard manufacturers and consumers to improve the understanding of the behaviour of such structures and help to check for the cost utilization, avoid overdesign and further mitigate the failures in practical applications. Full depth vertical rectangular slot was found to generate the least stresses and found to be suitable as ventilation slots. With the replacement with SW panel box, a saving in material consumption can be realized amounting to more than 34%. It was found that a 3-ply box configuration with a full-depth ventilation slot with panel stiffener can serve as a potential candidate for the replacement of the current box constituting of 5-ply panels recommended in the context of Indian standards.