Since 1975, American Glass Research has used finite element analysis to evaluate the magnitude and location of stresses generated throughout the container caused by static loads such as: internal pressure, vertical load, and impact loading and transient loads such as: thermal loading. Using a blueprint of the container and a known or assumed vertical thickness distribution, a container can be analyzed to identify potential problem areas of the design. These results are compared to well-established glass surface strengths and service requirements to ensure that the bottle will perform as a commercially acceptable package.

NEW DESIGNS → To analyze the expected performance even before the first container is manufactured to ensure there are no problem areas. LIGHTWEIGHT EXISTING DESIGNS → Iterations of finite element analysis using different vertical thickness distributions can be performed to determine the lightest glass weight possible for a particular design and its intended use. EXISTING DESIGNS → To improve performance through small changes in design and vertical glass distribution. CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS → Involves the creation of a good commercial package from a sketch and specific boundary specifications. This type of design analysis requires a continuous dialogue between the customer and our design team to ensure customer satisfaction. Since creative marketing ideas are not always functional they sometimes require alterations to achieve an acceptable container for its intended usage.

A detailed formal report will include:

• Summary of finite element analysis results.
  
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  Stress plots for the applicable loading conditions.
  
  
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  Minimum thickness predictions to ensure that bottles meet your specifications.
  
  
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  Recommendations for improvement if problem areas exist.