Flatwise buckling optimization of hexachiral and tetrachiral honeycombs

The flatwise compressive behaviour of tetrachiral and hexachiral honeycombs is analysed, using analytical and Finite Element simulations, both with explicit and implicit formulations. The tetrachiral and hexachiral cells are composed by cylinders connected by four and six tangent ligaments respectively. The ligaments act as mixed stiffeners-elastic foundations during flatwise compressive loading, providing different buckling mode shapes during deformation. The models are compared with experimental results obtained using RP-based honeycombs tested according to ASTM C 393-00 and ASTM C365-00.