Abaqus Multiphysics / Fluid-Mechanical / Fluid-Mechanical Example

Water Bottle Drop Test Simulation

Challenge

Plastic bottles used for water coolers must be able to withstand certain severe loadings—specifically, drops from various heights and angles. However, the repeated sterilizations that the bottle must endure slowly reduce the stiffness and strength properties of the polymeric material. To predict the working life of the bottle, the effect of the degraded material properties on the burst strength must be understood.

Solution

The hydrostatic fluid-mechanical modeling capability in SIMULIA allows for virtual drop testing of any bottle design. The effect of the fluid is easily simulated with the general contact, adaptive remeshing, and equation of state capabilities. Rupture of the bottle can be captured with strain-based dynamic failure models that allow for element deletion.

Benefit

With the ability to accurately simulate impact loading of water bottles, the need for physical testing is reduced. A greater understanding of how a water bottle performs as its material properties change allows for a better prediction of the bottle's working life. Taken together, these benefits translate into lower production costs and higher quality bottles.