A nonlinear finite element method to assess loads on container stacks

Abstract

Accurate prediction of loads on containers and their pertinent securing systems is important for efficient handling and transportation of the containers as well as for optimization of the applied securing systems. Container stacks react nonlinearly to the excitation forces. This paper presents a nonlinear finite element method developed to predict the structural response of containers and their associated securing systems when subjected to excitation forces. The method is verified against another finite element model and a comparison study involving several numerical approaches is conducted. The verification shows that the proposed method can predict the reaction force on container and securing items with sufficient accuracy.