Strength optimization of glass containers by the finite element method

Abstract

A finite element program to calculate the wall stresses of container glass with respect to axial loads and internal pressure loads has been installed in a microcomputer. The stress calculations are based on a modified shell element. The efficiency of this element type as well as the working properties of the finite element program were tested. Sample bottles and the corresponding bursting pressure data were available for this investigation. From these data, maximum permissible wall stresses were calculated with the finite element program. The results were found to be in the same range as those stated in the literature. The finite element program gives a fast and sufficiently accurate prediction of the influence of changes in glass container outline or glass distribution by calculation.