Compressive response and failure of circular cell polycarbonate honeycombs under inplane uniaxial stresses

The crushing response of polycarbonate circular cell honeycomb to inplane uniaxial loading under displacement control is analyzed through a combination of experiment and numerical simulation. The experiments, which correspond to two different uniaxial loading conditions, are performed using honeycomb material which has a nearly periodic microstructure. In the initial part of the response, the specimens deform in a uniform fashion. Next, a nonlinear phase characterized by progressive localization of deformation is observed. The progressive localization causes the walls of each cell to contact. These experimental results are simulated through numerical analysis using the finite element method. The reasons for the orthotropic response of the honeycombs are discussed.