The analytical and numerical characterization regarding indentation of composite honeycomb sandwich structures

The honeycomb composite sandwich beam subjected to transverse indentation is investigated analytically and numerically. An analytical model with shear effect and nonlinear real elastic-plastic out-plane compressive behavior of the honeycomb are presented. The detailed plastic response of the honeycomb core subjected to compressive loading is obtained visually by finite element analysis. Then, the parameters related to honeycomb core used in the analytical model are characterized by uniaxial compression with finite element analysis. At the same time, finite element analysis of the beam subjected to static transverse indentation is compared with the developed analytical model by comparing the load-displacement response, which show quite good agreement. Considering different honeycomb materials and structures, the influence of key parameters, which reflect the plastic deformation characteristics and plateau stress, on the honeycomb composite sandwich beam subjected to static transverse indentation are discussed.