Wavy spider web honeycomb sandwich structures with PLA: Bending performance

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of honeycomb sandwich structures with wavy spider web profiles using three-point bending tests. First, 3D-printed tensile samples and sandwich structures were produced from PLA by ASTM standards. The tensile test provided mechanical properties such as the material's modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio. Three-point bending tests were performed on sandwich structures with different profiles to obtain force-displacement curves. The values obtained from the tensile test were input into the material model in Ls-Dyna to perform finite element analysis of sandwich structures. The force-displacement curves and damage images obtained from the analyses were consistent with the experimental test results. Validation was also performed for the straight model using analytical approaches found in the literature. The wavy spider web honeycomb structure exhibited the highest specific energy absorption value (sEA) and specific peak crushing force (sPCF). These results suggest that honeycomb structures with wavy spider web profiles have the potential to be used in lighter and stronger structures.