MSc Degree project - Material optimization for superior package performance

Goal 
The aim of this thesis is to develop knowledge that identifies deformation and damage mechanism in paperboard such that the paperboard design can be related to package performance. 

Background 
The concept package performance covers several aspects for an optimal packaging material, and none can be disregarded since they all contribute to product superiority in various parts of the value chain.

The goal is to relate paperboard design, through engineered functionality of the different plies and interfaces, to package performance. With good knowledge of package performance, there will be less risk for suboptimization of the paperboard process. Many parameters contribute to the package performance. At this stage we will focus on five areas (Functionality, Sustainability, Appearance, Convertability and Cost) and aim to grasp how these contribute and affect each other. All areas can be correlated to the paperboard concepts, and it is possible to establish correlations between the areas and search for the optimal paperboard design.  

Project 
Paperboard packages can be loaded in a variety of ways. Many observations yet point at the fact that failure mechanisms of paperboard are similar; the panels start to buckle, and delamination occurs. If this is the case, several types of loading should have the same root cause. Hence a deformation criterion can be used to predict package failure, and simplified tests can be used to predict performance. Activities that can be investigated includes (a detailed plan will be developed depending on candidate and location): 

• Fatigue loading of package, and investigation of how Wöhler curves (loading amplitude vs mean level) can be utilized, and its implication of package performance and relation to box compression results.  
• Investigations of heterogenous loading (e.g., skew, localized or point) of packages and activated damage mechanisms in relation to homogenous loading (BCT and paperboard quality control). 
• Development of finite element models for simulations and quantification of damage, followed by suggestion of analytical models to predict package functionality. 
• Investigate the correlation between sustainability impact and package functionality by addressing right-weighting and safety factors of packages. 

Timetable 
The project preferably starts in January 2025. A detailed schedule will be defined together with the candidate. 

Location 
Preferably at one of Billerud’s mills in Gruvön, Frövi or Gävle. Alternatively, a location in Stockholm can also be arranged. 

To be able to successfully contribute to this degree project, we believe that you are a master student in materials science, solid mechanics, mechanical engineering or equivalent. To be able to carry out the practical part of the degree project, you are able to do numerical analysis using e.g Matlab, Phyton etc.

Our values are central in our business and we believe that you recognize yourself in: we care for each other and we do what we say.

For any questions, please contact Mikael Nygårds, Mikael.Nygards@billerud.com

Candidates apply with the Billerud application system by submitting a personal letter, CV and grades. Applications are evaluated continuously, and the project will start as soon as a suitable candidate has been hired. The deadline for applications is 2024-12-15.