Study and design of corrugated cardboard trays with microwaves by experimental analysis (EA) and finite element methods (FEM)

The purpose of the work is to study by experimental analysis and finite element methods the mechanical response of a packaging, consisting of a corrugated cardboard container, used for the transport of fruit and vegetables. During the container design, three different configurations were selected which differ both in the choice of liner and in the type of wave. In particular, the type E, F and N microwaves were chosen. They are characterized by a lower amplitude than the high and medium waves commonly used in corrugated cardboard packaging, making it possible to reduce material consumption and, consequently, costs. In the initial phase of the study, experimental tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical strength of the liners. In addition, edge compression tests (ECTs) were performed to determine the stacking resistance of the structure. The break-in resistance of the structures was analysed using a test conducted according to an internal standard, called strength packaging test (SPT). Subsequently, a parametric study was set up with the finite element method for the simulation of the mechanical behaviour of the three structures, using the homogenization technique. The comparison between the maximum total deformations, measured experimentally and calculated numerically, has highlighted the need to introduce corrective coefficients to improve the homogenization of the wave structure. In this way, it was possible to improve the matching of the results obtained on the structures simulated by the homogenization technique and those obtained on the corresponding real structures.