Comparative Computational Analysis of Diverse Cell Geometries for Honeycomb Aircraft Floor Beds

Abstract

This project presents computational analysis of honeycomb core and sandwich structures designed for aircraft floor bed applications. The study investigates three distinct core geometries—an axis-symmetrical irregular (ASI) hexagonal cell, an axis-symmetrical irregular (ASI) hexagon with a circular cutout and rhombus with a circular cutout—each modeled with an iso-areal cell to ensure a fair comparison. The sandwich panel configuration consists of a Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) core bonded between Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) face sheets. Using finite element modeling, the structures are subjected to simulated mechanical tests to evaluate their flatwise compression and 3 point bending performance. This work addresses the limited understanding of how variations in honeycomb geometry influence the structural efficiency of sandwich composites. The objective is to identify the most structurally efficient configuration capable of offering optimal strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness and durability under different load conditions. The results are expected to contribute valuable insights for the aerospace industry by promoting weight reduction, enhanced performance and improved material utilization in aircraft floor structures.