Compressive Response of Honeycombs Under In-Plane Uniaxial Static and Dynamic Loading, Part 1: Experiments

Abstract

The crushing response of polycarbonate circular cell honeycombs under in-plane uniaxial loading is studied through a combination of static and dynamic experiments. The circular cell honeycomb material has a nearly periodic microstructure. The static experiments correspond to a uniaxial loading condition under displacement control in two different principal in-plane directions. The corresponding dynamic experiments are carried out using a low-velocity impact drop test facility. Three different initial conditions (corresponding to different drop heights) are used in the dynamic tests. In the initial part of the response, the specimens deform in an almost uniform fashion. Next, a nonlinear phase characterized by progressive localization of deformation is observed. The progressive localization causes the walls of each cell to contact. The reasons for the observed orthotropic response of the honeycombs are discussed. A comparison of the collapse mechanisms between static and dynamic experiments is included. The experimental work is presented first (Part 1), followed by the simulation studies (Part 2).