Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the In-Plane Compression of Corrugated Paperboard Panels

Finite element analysis (FEA) has been proven as a useful design tool to model corrugated paperboard boxes, and is capable of accurately predicting load capacity. The in-plane deformation, however, usually significantly underpredicted. To investigate this discrepancy, panel compression test jig, that implemented simply supported boundary conditions, was built individual panels. panels were then modelled using non-linear FEA with linear material model. results show the deformation still underpredicted, but general improvement seen. Three discrepancies identified. first showed an initial region low stiffness not present in results. This attributed imperfections jig. Secondly, experimental reported lower than FEA. Applying imperfection shape buckling mode found reduce stiffness. Thirdly, decrease near failure, which seen A bi-linear investigated holds potential improve Box tests performed on Regular Slotted Container (RSC) same dimensions tested panel. box displaced 13.1 mm compared 3.5 for There stiffness, accounted 7 displacement 0.5 Thus, complexities such horizontal creases should be included finite (FE) models predict while (or any other non-linear) may compression.