A physics simulation tool for the container loading problem

Abstract

In the Container Loading Problem literature, the cargo dynamic stability constraint has been evaluated by the percentage of boxes with insufficient lateral support. This metric has been used as a proxy for the real-world dynamic stability constraint and has conditioned the algorithms developed for this problem. It has the advantage of not being expensive from a computation perspective. However, guaranteeing that at least three sides of a box are in contact with another box or with the container wall does not necessarily ensure stability during transportation. In this paper we propose a physics simulation tool based on a physics engine that will be used in the evaluation of the dynamic stability constraint. We compare the results of our physics simulation tool with the state-of-the-art simulation engineering software Abaqus Unified FEA, and conclude that our tool is a promising alternative.