A design database for moulded pulp packaging structure

Abstract In this study, a structural factor approach is developed to allow a modular design method be used for the packaging design of thin‐walled structures. Numerical simulations of the structural units are carried out to evaluate the influence of the structural factors under static loading, by using the commercial finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. Empirical relations between the load‐bearing capacity of structural units and structural factors are established based on numerical simulations. A database is then constructed that has the ability to provide valuable information for the loading performances of different structural units. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.