On the evaluation of mechanical properties of honeycombs by using finite element analyses

• Main Authors: Stefan SOROHAN, Marin SANDU, Dan Mihai CONSTANTINESCU, Adriana Georgeta SANDU
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Institute for Aerospace Research “Elie Carafoli” - INCAS 2015-09-01
• Series: INCAS Bulletin
• Subjects: Mechanical properties; Honeycombs; Finite elements; Periodic Boundary Conditions; Young's moduli; Poisson's ratios; Representative Volume Element
• Online Access: http://bulletin.incas.ro/files/sorohan_sandu_constantinescu_sandu_vol_7_iss_3.pdf

This paper presents some general two- and three-dimensional finite element models to study the equivalent orthotropic mechanical properties of honeycombs. The models are developed on a representative volume element with appropriate periodic boundary conditions for six load cases for three-dimensional models to obtain the in-plane and out-of-plane elastic properties of hexagonal honeycombs. The developed models use beam, solid 2D and 3D, and also shell type finite elements. The proposed models are validated using analytical relationships from literature. For this reason some aspects regarding their proper use, depending on the purpose of the analysis, are presented. It is shown that similar models can be used for different periodic cell structures as chiral and anti-chiral honeycomb structures. The developed finite element models can also be used conveniently for parametric and sensitivity analyses because the total number of degrees of freedom is relatively small compared to a complete model.