Structural analysis of poly ethylene terephthalate bottles using the finite element method

Scope and Methodology: Light weighting of PET bottles not only reduces material usage but also minimizes the impact on the environment. This has been a driving force behind optimization of designs. In the process of optimization, it is critical to evaluate the structural performance of bottles under different loading conditions. During the manufacturing process, bottles undergo different kinds of loading. FEM was implemented to study the structural performance of PET bottle designs manufactured using ISBM under the conditions of bending and hoop strength. The behavior of a PET bottle under top loading was analyzed using FE modeling and validated experimentally. The validated FE model was used to simulate bending under side load conditions. Further, the effect of changes in wall thickness on bending was studied. In order to understand the role of different structural features in reducing bending, CAD models of four different finished parts were obtained using 3D scanning technology and were imported for FE analysis. Hoop strength tests were also performed on eight different designs with different processing histories using a specialized fixture.;Findings and Conclusions: Outcomes of this work include a procedure to study the mechanical behavior of PET bottles under conditions of bending and hoop strength, the effect of wall thickness and design on the bottle behavior under bending, and a 3D scanning method leading to a new way of CAD modeling. The imported designs were subjected to FE analysis. The procedures can be generalized to many related engineering problems. The study showed a significant change in bottle behavior with change in wall thickness and design.