Extension of paperboard modelling with Föppl-von Kármán terms for improved stress state under suction pressure

A practical method for solving the bending stiffness of a thin orthotropic plate based on measured deflection and known loading was studied. The target application was paperboard manufacturing and related process control. Here, finite element (FE) method was used to create virtual paperboard and its deflection data. The accuracy of the linear Kirchhoff plate model used in the practical method was tested against the FE model with known load and material properties. It was found that in the case of significant deflections, the linear Kirchhoff model was not accurate. The non-linear Föppl-von Kármán model takes into account the occurring membrane stresses and extends on the Kirchhoff model, allowing for larger deflection. The nonlinear Föppl-von Kármán model was found to successfully describe the simulated situation and could be used to better solve for the paperboard's bending stiffness values over two axes.