Assessment and modelling of corrugated board dynamic properties under impact loads. Application to edge crush disposition

Corrugated packaging models and theories are well-established under static load conditions, however, very few studies can be found in the literature dealing with the behaviour of corrugated boards under impact conditions, which is critical in e-commerce distribution. Packaging capacity of energy absorption and the acceleration peak provoked during the drop or shock event are the key factors to assure the impact does not cause damage to the products. This study describes cushioning properties of corrugated boards in edge crush disposition and proposes a predictive model, experimental methods, and tools to assess its dynamic properties. The proposed model is based on static edge crush test theory adapted to impact conditions through relations with static properties of paper. This novel model will allow the estimation of energy absorption for packaging solutions that rely on this deformation mode.