Static Analysis of Sandwich Panels with Square Honeycomb Core

Abstract

Static analysis of sandwich panels with a square honeycomb core is performed using the finite element approach applied to the plate theories. The constitutive behavior of an equivalent continuum to the core is obtained using the strain energy approach. The displacement field of the sandwich panel modeled using the equivalent continuum is then compared with results obtained from a highly detailed finite element method created in ABAQUS. The comparison shows the results of the higher-order shear deformation theory in error of 7.6% compared with the detailed model results. An equivalent single layer finite element method for the sandwich panel was then created in ABAQUS and the displacement results of this equivalent single layer model are compared with those obtained from the detailed finite element method. This comparison reveals an error of 6.1% in the results between the two models. A comparison between the equivalent single layer model and the highly detailed model is presented for different core relative densities at two locations of the sandwich panel. A detailed finite element method analysis of the unit cell of the square honeycomb was next performed using ABAQUS and the flexibility approach. Comparison between the equivalent strain energy approach and flexibility approach applied to detailed ABAQUS models of the unit cell proved the equivalent strain energy approach to be efficient.