Optimization Analysis of Maximum Energy Absorption Properties of Metallic Honeycomb and an Application in Designing Arresting Mechanism for Landing Gear Drop Testing

Abstract

Metallic honeycomb possess excellent kinetic energy absorption properties which can be used as an impact resistance members in structural applications. In order to design energy absorption systems in effective manner using honeycomb material, the various parameters affecting the energy absorption characteristics of the honeycomb should be evaluated. Parameters affecting the honeycomb will be evaluated using analytical methods and finite element analysis. Validated finite element models are used to study the parameters namely honeycomb width, mass of impact and dynamic load factor affecting the energy absorption characteristics of metallic honeycomb. Mathematical models are used to study the half wavelength of the buckling of the honeycomb cell and the factors affecting the dynamic crush strength. Sensitivity analysis is performed using response surface methods to determine the performance effect of the honeycomb cell parameters namely cell size, gauge thickness and inner-edge angle affecting the energy absorption properties. Regression equations are obtained to determine the optimized values of the honeycomb parameters. Guidelines will be provided for the designer to select appropriate honeycomb cell parameters for optimized energy absorption properties. As an application, these honeycombs models are used to design the arresting mechanism for landing gear drop tower for absorbing the impact energy and to protect the structural members and load cells in the event failure of the landing gear during the drop testing. On a whole this research will provide an insight of the energy absorption properties of metallic honeycomb affected by various parameters.