Finite Element Analysis on the Scoring and the Opening Process of Steel Can

Abstract

This study simulated the Scoring process and the Can opening process of Easy Open End by finite element method. A FEM model was developed to predict the limitation of the scoring depth and the opening force at the End of steel Can using ABAQUS. In spite of a complex 3D structure, the shape of the Can End was simplified 2D axisymmetric model and analyses were focused on the change of materials and score shapes. Adaptive meshing was applied to the region of the score in the scoring process in order to suppress large deformation of elements. The critical depth of the scoring was observed because necking occurred at the panel during the scoring process. Necking could be restrained by changing the shape of the score punch. For the opening simulation, the shear failure model was utilized. The opening force was predicted with various materials, residual thickness, panel thickness (thickness ratio) and score shapes. The influence of these factors changed with the thickness ratio. Synthetically, the score condition of the steel Can End that the opening force is similar to the aluminum End was proposed.