Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Multi-Cell Configurations on the Bending Behavior of 3D-Printed Sandwich Core Structures for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications

Background/Aim: This study numerically investigates the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed sandwich core structures under bending loads. Methods: The effects of single, double, and triple cell configurations on the load-carrying capacity, deformation capability, energy absorption, and damage behavior of three types of sandwich core structures, honeycomb, square, and circular, were evaluated through three-point bending tests. An orthotropic material model was used for 3D-printed sandwich core structures due to their anisotropic material behavior. The damage analysis of the 3D-printed sandwich core structures was performed using the Hashin damage criterion. Results: Increasing the number of cells enhanced the strength of sandwich core structures but reduced their deformation capability. The highest load-carrying capacity per unit weight was observed in triple-cell honeycomb sandwich core structure, while the lowest was observed in double-cell circular core structure. The single-cell honeycomb sandwich core exhibited the highest deformation capability, whereas the triple-cell circular sandwich core showed the lowest. Conclusion: Increasing the number of cells improved the energy absorption capacity of sandwich core structures. However, since the deformation capability of the core structures decreased significantly with an increasing number of cells, their specific energy absorption was reduced.