Assessment of Compressive and Flexural Properties and Stacking Strength of Expanded Polystyrene Boxes: Experimental and Simulation Study

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes are used for the packaging of perishable and vulnerable goods during transportation; instance, fresh fish fillets. It is important to minimize weight cost materials while maximizing strength avoid damage product itself. EPS have withstand considerable loading, which arises due rough handling stacking transport. This work focused on compressive flexural properties 3 kg capacity with densities 22 23 kg/m3, by combining experiments simulation. Material were obtained from compression test, behavior under load was investigated through both finite element simulations. The influences density different sample preparation methods material investigated. results indicated that, increasing 1 initial modulus rises 10–15% increases 7–8% in flexure rupture stress 3–7%. Additionally, an increase around 2% observed specimens cut a hot wire compared those table saw. However, because failure mechanism box as whole differs that small units tests, has less impact strength. Finally, good agreement between simulation test results.