Experimental investigation with FE analysis on flexural strength of hexagonal-shaped honeycomb sandwich panel

Abstract

In this study, a three-point bending test was carried out to determine the mechanical properties of hexagonal-shaped honeycomb core sandwich panels made of jute yarn with two distinct fiber orientations. A custom-made handloom was used to weave the unidirectional jute mat, and hand-layup with the cold press process was applied to fabricate the hexagonal honeycomb sandwich panel. To explore the effectiveness of different natural fibers for producing honeycomb core sandwich panels, a Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was performed on different natural fibers with different fiber orientations. The resistance to environmental deterioration of bending properties was also investigated. Overall, this work offers perceptive information about the mechanical characteristics of sandwich panels made of jute honeycomb core and their behavior under various climatic circumstances, which may be relevant in a variety of engineering applications. Finally, it is noteworthy that the mechanical properties of jute fibers are anisotropic, which implies that their strength varies with the direction of loading. Sandwich panels with horizontal fiber orientation of hexagonal honeycomb core withstand a 36% higher bending strength than those with vertical fiber orientation.