Finite Element Modeling to a Pallet with Repeated Lattice Pattern

This paper presents finite element approaches to the strength assessment of a pallet having repeated lattice pattern. The pallet is made of recycled plastics similar to high density polyethylene (HDPE). Due to the nature of repeat, the direct full 3D finite element model consumes tremendous computational resource for analysis and hence is far inefficient. A full 3D model using brick elements is created as a benchmark for comparison. Three other models contain shell elements, beam elements and bricks, representing the plate, stringers and ribs of the pallet. A last model using substructure scheme with super-elements is created to conduct the structural analysis of the pallet. The results of this study discloses that the substructural method employing superelements gives the least percent error and is advantageous over either the benchmark model or the rest models proposed in the present study.