Session: 13-13-01: Functional Origami and Kirigami-inspired Structures and Materials

Paper Number: 166495

Mechanics of Deployable Cellular Structures Under Static Flexural and Compressive Deformations 

Assessment of cellular structures as viable structural members in the design of aeronautic, astronautic, marine, and civil applications has garnered significant attention in the past few decades. This can be primarily attributed to their superior mechanical properties such as low areal mass density, high strength to weight ratio, and directional strength, to name a few, when compared to classical monolithic design members such as beams, plates and shell structures. Furthermore, deployable cellular structures provide greater design advantages in terms of ease of transportation, and structural resilience. Understanding the mechanics of such structures is critical since their deformation behavior and failure modes are different from the classical mechanics of traditional monolithic materials. In this work, we study the deformation mechanics of one such deployable cellular structures under the action of variety of flexural and compressive loads. The proposed novel deployable structure unfolds from a stacked state into a square cell honeycomb structure in an origami-like fashion. The goal of this study is to investigate and evaluate the capability of this deployable square cell honeycomb structure as a suitable replacement for traditional beam and plate members. To assess this, we computationally study the response of this structure under quasi-static and transient flexural and compressive loads using the finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA is performed using the commercial finite element method (FEM) software, Abaqus. Bending and buckling simulations are performed in the FEM framework. We consider cases of the honeycomb structure with both hollow core and  foam filled solid core. From the preliminary numerical results, we employ parametric optimization techniques to formulate design criteria based on the desired mechanical properties and load baring capacities of these structures in their deployed form. Factors such as material selection and geometric configuration are also examined to ensure optimal performance in different static and transient loading environments. We validate the numerical results using some basic preliminary experimental tests on hollow core and filled core honeycomb structures. Apart from verifying the accuracy of the numerical studies, these experimental tests also elucidate the effect of a filled core on the load carrying capacity and the failure modes of these structures. It is observed from the computational and experimental analyses that the local wall buckling is the primary failure mode of such structures. With proper considerations at the design limits, this can be mitigated for achieving desired structural performance The research contributes to the broader field of deployable structures with potential applications in military, emergency infrastructure, and transportation sectors, advancing the state of the art in understanding the mechanics of deployable systems for load-bearing field applications.

 

Presenting Author: J Anthony Mcintosh Marshall University

Presenting Author Biography: Anthony McIntosh is a PhD Student in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at Marshall University. Prior to pursuing a doctoral degree, he received a B.S in Mechanical Engineering from Marshall University.

Authors:

J Anthony Mcintosh Marshall University
Arka Chattopadhyay Marshall University