Optimizing in-plane strength of honeycomb structures to achieve quasi-isotropic performance

Honeycomb structures are widely employed in aerospace, automotive, and engineering applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, conventional honeycomb designs—particularly those fabricated via 3D printing—often suffer from pronounced in-plane anisotropy, which limits their...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Khalid Alblalaihid, Saad Aldoihi, Safwan Alblihed, Hani Algaan, Sami S. Alsaleh, Basheer A. Alshammari, Ibrahim A. Alshunaifi, Anas Almuqhim, Khalid Khormi, Meshal Abuobaid, Abdulmalik Alshamikh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Materials & Design
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525008019
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Summary:Honeycomb structures are widely employed in aerospace, automotive, and engineering applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, conventional honeycomb designs—particularly those fabricated via 3D printing—often suffer from pronounced in-plane anisotropy, which limits their mechanical performance under multi-directional loading. This study introduces a modified honeycomb design aimed at achieving quasi-isotropic in-plane behavior. Using fused filament fabrication (FFF) with polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced with 15 % short carbon fibers, honeycomb structures were fabricated with a [±45°, 90°, 0°]s layer orientation. Experimental tensile tests and finite element analysis (FEA) demonstrated a significant reduction in anisotropy, with elastic modulus variation across 0°, 45°, and 90° directions reduced to under 3 %. In-plane compression tests further validated the design, revealing modulus variation below 2 % and a flatter, more stable stress plateau. This behavior confirms enhanced progressive collapse and improved energy absorption compared to conventional honeycomb structures.
ISSN:0264-1275