Mechanical performance of honeycomb filled with circular CFRP tubes

Recently, cellular-filled structure has gained popularity due to its evident promotion in energy absorption capacity of absorber. In this study, a new pattern of composited filling structure- honeycomb cells filled with circular tubes (HFCT) has been put forward. Comprehensive experimental investigations have been conducted in terms of ten types of HFCT structures with hollow and different fillers including circular carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubes as well as circular Al tubes in different filling patterns. Detailed mechanical performances on energy absorption, deformation mode and interaction between inside circular CFRP filler and outside hexagonal honeycomb container were determined. The analyses show that, when undergoing axial loading, the HFCT structure not only maintains the same excellent mechanical properties with conventional hollow honeycomb core, but also gains evident promotion in energy absorption when filled in appropriate filling pattern. Obvious filling effect and matching effect were extensively discussed around the kind patterns of filling structures, which have significant influence on HFCT structure's performance. All the achievements prove that the HFCT structure can be considered as a perfect choice in aid to design of energy absorption device.