Compressive response and failure of circular cell polycarbonate honeycombsunder inplane uniaxial stresses

The crushing response of polycarbonate circular cell honeycomb to inplane u niaxial loading under displacement control is analyzed through a combinatio n of experiment and numerical simulation. The experiments, which correspond to two different uniaxial loading conditions, are performed using honeycom b material which has a nearly periodic microstructure. In the initial part of the response, the specimens deform in a uniform fashion. Next, a nonline ar phase characterized by progressive localization of deformation is observ ed. The progressive localization causes the walls of each cell to contact. These experimental results are simulated through numerical analysis using t he finite element method. The reasons for the orthotropic response of the h oneycombs are discussed.