Shear strength optimization of reinforced honeycomb core materials

Abstract

This paper studies the performance of novel honeycomb materials with the cell walls made of natural fiber reinforced thermoplastics. It focuses on developing a methodology for the maximization of the specific transverse shear strength of reinforced honeycombs and prediction of the corresponding cell geometry. The load carrying capacity of wood fiber reinforced polypropylene honeycomb shows a substantial improvement as compared to that of a polypropylene honeycomb of the same density. Theoretical predictions agree well with the experimental results. Excellent performance of the reinforced polypropylene honeycombs indicates a promising future for such materials.