Finite element analysis of various composite honeycomb cores under tensile loading

Sandwich composite structures are widely used in significant applications of many fields such as aerospace, automotive and defense. An increase in the usage of sandwich structures make the researchers focus on investigating the possible various face sheet and core materials which are the main parts of sandwich structures. In recent years, improvements in additive manufacturing methods enabled producing the structures with desired dimensions with less material waste and less production steps. In this study, manufacturing methods of honeycomb cores were examined firstly and then a group of finite element analysis (FEA) were conducted on various composite honeycomb cores with different layer sequences under tension in order to determine their mechanical behaviors. The results exhibited that layer sequence and materials have a great effect on Von-Mises (σvm) and shear stress (τxy) occurring in honeycomb core.