Theoretical prediction and numerical simulation of honeycomb structures with various cell specifications under axial loading

The axial crushing of honeycomb structures with various cell specifications is studied analytically and numerically. Based on the Super Folding Element theory, a new method for predicting the mean crushing stress of honeycomb structures with various cell specifications under axial loading is developed. In this new theoretical method, two types of simplified folding modes named SFM1 and SFM2 are proposed. The mean crushing stress and the folding wavelength for honeycomb structures with various cell specifications are then determined by a minimum principle. The effective crushing distance and the loading rate effect are both considered. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, numerical simulations are carried out by employing the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA. The bond of the honeycomb panels is simulated by using a tie-break contact. It can be seen that the analytical solutions are in agreement with the numerical results as well as the Wizerbicki’s solutions.