Role of Anisotropic Core in Vibration Properties of Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

Abstract

Vibration frequencies and mode shapes of honeycomb sandwich panels with various structural parameters were studied using computational and experimental methods. Two computational models were used to predict the mode shapes and frequencies of honeycomb sandwich panels. In the first model, honeycomb core was assumed to be quasi-orthotropic; in the second model, plate elements were used for honeycomb cell walls to reflect the geometric nature of the hexagonal cells. The quantitative effect of the anisotropic core on the vibration properties of the sandwich panels was studied, and the mode shapes and frequencies were presented. A good agreement was achieved between the model predictions and the experimental results.