Effect of position of tension-loaded inserts on honeycomb panels used for space applications

This study develops a numerical framework for the analysis of the sensitivity of real potting shape with respect to the position of the insert centre inside the cell geometry. An investigation using a finite element analysis to evaluate the effect on the position of ‘through-the-thickness’ inserts type in all aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels for spacecraft applications under tensile load. Twelve positions are presented and analysed. The distribution of stress due to the critical load is also determined in the core and face sheet for different potting shape and various insert positions. The results are very satisfactory and provide adequate shear stress distributions in honeycomb core between theoretical and various positions of the finite element models. The results show also how the pull-out strength of inserts in honeycomb/cored sandwich panels affected by the placing of the insert relative to the local honeycomb structure and the shape of the potting geometry which has a significant effect on the sandwich honeycomb panel.