Numerical analysis on rigidity of cylindrical honeycomb cores under radial loads

Abstract

Although the rigidity of flat honeycomb cores has been previously studied, the rigidity of honeycomb cores with a unique shape has not been extensively investigated. This study aims to determine the rigidity of cylindrical honeycomb cores under static radial loads via linear finite element analysis. Two numerical cylindrical honeycomb models are demonstrated: one satisfies the radial core height alignment condition with distorted core walls; the other cancels the distortion of core walls, but its core height is not completely aligned with the radial direction. The geometrical differences between the models are small. However, our analyses not only reveal clear differences in rigidity but also demonstrate that the differences in rigidity depended on the constraint conditions applied on the models. These results imply that cylindrical honeycomb cores can be applied in the mechanical components that undergo radial loads, such as vehicle tires, robotic rovers, bearings, and liquid containers.