FEM of Paper Straw

In the wake of increasing societal concern about plastic pollution in the oceans, paper straws briefly emerged as an alternative solution. However, practical usage often revealed that paper straws were challenging to puncture the sealing films compared to regular plastic straws, demanding considerable patience and technique from users.

The primary reason for the difficulty in puncturing the sealing films with paper straws lies in the difference in the tip geometry. Unlike plastic straws with rounded tips, paper straws have elliptical cross-sections, resulting in a larger contact area, which in turn generates less pressure during piercing attempts, making it harder to penetrate the seal. This disparity in cross-sectional shape arises from material and manufacturing constraints, as paper lacks the elasticity of plastic and requires angled cutting through laser cutting techniques.

This study employs finite element analysis tools to investigate the pressure distribution along the straw body when puncturing a sealing film with a paper straw. The analysis aims to predict the locations most prone to deformation, leading to straw bending, as well as the optimal angle for inserting the straw to exert maximum stress on the sealing film while minimizing straw deformation.

See our report for more details.