Modelling the Edge Crushing Performance of Corrugated Fibreboard Under Different Moisture Content Levels

Abstract

This paper investigates the strength performance of corrugated fibreboard (CFB) under different moisture content levels through edge crush test (ECT) and developing a finite element (FE) model to simulate the response of ECT. The study started by conducting tensile and compressive test at different moisture content levels on the paper components that made up the CFB. Next, the ECT test of the CFB at different moisture levels were conducted. To simulate the response of ECT, an FE model that assumes an orthotropic shell element behavior of CFB was developed. The FE model uses the tensile and compressive data of the paper components at different moisture content levels as the input parameters. The results of the experiment and FE model shows good agreement of the ECT at different moisture content levels. This study proves that modelling the strength of CFB in harsh environment can be done by properly reducing the material properties of its paper components in the input parameters of the FE model.