Perfume Package Drop Test
 
 

Beauty ProductA global cosmetics major was redesigning a liquid perfume's primary and secondary package. As a part of the package design it is a critical requirement to ensure that the package survives a free fall drop from a height of 6 ft.

Axiom was contracted to develop a methodology to evaluate the drop performance of the package in various orientations. The engagement started with developing a strategy for virtual simulation of package drop scenarios using a explicit dynamics solver. This was followed by creating geometry and mesh models for the complete package. As the package was developed using special materials, accurate material characterization and material model development for various strain rates was the key step. The baseline FE analysis was validated with the physical drop tests using post drop damage evaluation technique.

The impact of various design elements on the drop performance was simulated using the validated FE model. The package was redesigned based on the outcomes and directions of the above Design of Experiments (DoE) study. The redesigned package was prototyped and tested to clear all the structural requirements of the package.

Program Highlights

  • Development of methodology of drop simulation of the complete package system which requires modeling of liquid perfume , paper carton , metal closure and clear plastics container
  • Material characterization of paper, plastics etc., for high strain rates
  • Development of 3D CAD and mesh models for the package system
  • Rapid turnaround enabled experimenting with several design options leading to a better final choice
  • Complexities due to the aesthetics of the package was evaluated early on by use of FE simulation , this established the feasibility of realizing the aesthetic features much before detailed design was carried out
  • The number of prototypes developed through the package development was reduced leading to significant time and costs savings

Result :

  • The redesigned package cleared the drop tests in all stipulated orientations
  • Novel aesthetics of the product was very well received in the market

Core Competency Leverage:

FE Simulation, Methods Development, Material characterization, CAD