FEM Simulation of Elastic Properties of Closed-Cell Starch Extrudate with Spherical Pores

Three types of single closed cell model, single-centered cubic, face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic were set up based on the geometric character of corn starch extrudate. The elastic moduli were simulated with finite elements method (FEM). Fitting equation for elasticity modulus and relative density calculated from each type of cell model was developed and validated with that calculated from Ashby-Gibson equation. The accuracy of results from finite elements analysis was comparable to that of Ashby-Gibson equation.