Effect of honeycomb cell geometry on compressive properties: Finite element analysis and experimental verification

Metallic cellular materials are characterized by a low specific weight and a high energy absorption capability, which make them promising for application in devices of the transportation industry in order to meet the requirements of a reduced fuel consumption and carbon dioxide output. This intention necessitates the evaluation of material performance under several load conditions. Investigations have shown that the out-of-plane properties with regard to specific energy absorption (SEA) capability of high-density steel honeycomb structures with square-celled profile are outstanding while the potential under in-plane conditions is distinctly lower. Therefore, FEM-based numerical analyses are conducted by the use of ABAQUS-software to investigate the influence of cell geometry. The results reveal an enhancement of absorbable energy in in-plane direction by applying an ordered sequence of hexagons and triangles, the so-called Kagome geometry. Comparative quasi-static compression tests serve to verify the FE-analysis. The obtained results are discussed with respect to strength level and achieved SEA capability in dependence of the cell geometry and load condition.