Using Abaqus technology, the Virtual Package Simulation (VPS) system completely automates a set of simulations necessary to determine whether plastic bottle designs will perform as required. Advanced analysis technology such as meshing and modeling of load cases is built into the system, so that all designers have to do is submit bottle geometries and wait for quick results on predicted bottle performance.

Because Virtual Package Simulation allows more design evaluation in less time, it encourages innovation and ensures effective prototyping. Packaging engineers can try out a variety of designs in an inexpensive virtual environment before committing costs to physical prototypes.

Virtual Package Simulation includes four modules for use in designing plastic bottles:

• The Virtual Race Track simulates how the package will perform on a standard packing line conveyor. Understanding the stability of bottles during conveying helps designers avoid costly production problems.


• The Structures module simulates how the package will perform under standard loading conditions such as filling and shipping. Specially customized and automated finite element analysis routines help designers identify areas of bottles that can be lighter where possible and stronger where needed.


• The BOWS (Bottle Optimal Weight System) module optimizes HDPE plastic usage for extrusion blow-molding while making sure the bottle meets loading specifications.


• The Autoseal module improves closure designs by automatic analysis of sealing performance.

The system, originally proprietary to Procter & Gamble Co, has been licensed to Stress Engineering Services, Inc.

"The VPS system embodies years of packaging research and development at P & G," says David Henning, manager of package analysis for Procter & Gamble. "From blow-molding optimization to structural loading, conveying, and sealing analysis, it captures our considerable expertise in the design and manufacture of plastic bottles. Through our VPS licensing agreement with Stress Engineering, this valuable P & G intellectual capital is now available to packaging engineers all over the world."