Material properties and validated simulation of high-density polyethylene sandwich structures for fish containers

Polyethylene (PE) sandwich structure containers, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) solid skins and a PE foam core, are widely used in fishery industry for transporting and storing fresh whole fish. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the mechanical behavior of HDPE sandwich structures for fish container applications in the fishery industry. Material properties tests were conducted separately on the components of PE sandwich structure containers, with tension tests on HDPE solid skins, and compression and flexure tests on the PE foam core, and macro-structures were investigated. Using the experimental material properties data from these tests, a finite element model was developed and validated to investigate the load-bearing behavior of the container's handle under industrial hoisting conditions. The test results showed that the HDPE solid skin exhibited isotropy in all groups, and with lower density and micro bubbles existing, the material showed less ductility yet Young's modulus and yield strength remained unchanged. The foam core demonstrated excellent ductility and resilience under large deformations without breakage. The validated simulations identified buckling as the primary cause of handle failure which led to modifications to improve stability and load capacity without adding weight. These findings lay the groundwork for future optimization efforts, offering valuable insights to improve the design, durability, and environmental sustainability of fish containers in industrial applications.