Development of honeycomb sandwich finite element modeling techniques for dynamic and static analysis

Honeycomb sandwich core is typically modeled as an equivalent continuum for both static and dynamic analysis. The orthotropic material properties for such a continuum representation are difficult to predict. The objective of this work is to examine material and geometric parameters that affect the elastic and harmonic responses of honeycomb cores. A 3D shell FEA approach is adopted to model the core geometry. The model is compared to a typical homogeneous core finite-element representation in vibratory response. It is found that adhesive filleting can play a significant role in the response of honeycomb sandwich structure. Additionally, finite-element models using homogenized core approximations are shown to yield erroneous predictions for higher modes of vibration. Only through the modeling of actual honeycomb core geometry through finiteelement methods is it possible to predict higher modes. Vibration occurring strictly in the honeycomb cells can be observed by a tight band of resonances. This band occurs at different frequency ranges depending on the modeling technique. Achieving accurate homogeneous core model dynamic response for higher modes is restricted by computational inefficiency. Steady state harmonic analysis was only possible using the 3D shell core representation. The homogeneous core models were accurate in static shear and early modal response only. When it becomes necessary to predict shorter wavelengths of vibration, the homogeneous core models are either too computationally expensive or produce incorrect responses specifically with regard to modes isolated in the core.