Effect of Cell Geometry on the Energy Absorption of Honeycombs Under In-Plane Compression

Abstract

This study examines the energy absorption capabilities of cellular honeycombs subjected to in-plane compression. ABAQUS nonlinear finite element analysis is used and cellular honeycombs with different cell geometries are considered. Simulation results are validated against previously published results for 30 deg cellular honeycombs. For various cell angles, comparison of simulation results for full-size honeycombs and their single-cell analogs suggest that the energy absorption can be accurately determined using the single-cell model. Results indicate that for cells with equal wall length, the specific energy absorption capability increases with increasing cellular honeycomb angle. A cell wall length study shows that the specific energy absorption (energy absorption per unit mass) is higher for cells with shorter vertical walls. A cell wall thickness study shows that increasing wall thickness increases the specific energy absorption. A vertical wall thickness study shows that the vertical walls should be thick enough not to buckle, but no thicker, providing the maximum energy absorption for minimum weight. A detailed analysis of cell deformation for different honeycombs and an insight of the underlying physics behind the differences in energy absorption capabilities observed for the different honeycombs are also presented.