Date of Award

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Oliver Myers

Committee Member

Garrett Pataky

Committee Member

Gang Li

Abstract

There is difficulty with numerically replicating the behavior of composite honeycomb core structures numerically due to the trouble of gathering material properties from a hollow structure. Also, complex part geometries and carbon fiber reinforcement strategies can lead to unwanted structural weaknesses and variance in material properties that may not be reflected in numerical analysis when the part is additively manufactured. In this study, edgewise compressive testing is used to characterize the mechanical behavior and performance characteristics of these structures. The experimental results indicate an increase in the Young’s moduli of the honeycomb core structures as carbon fiber concentration increases. However, the variance in Young’s moduli between samples as carbon fiber increases also grows in value. Samples with higher amounts of continuous carbon fiber reinforcement show more enhanced performance characteristics, except for specific energy absorption which decreases at the highest amount of carbon fiber reinforcement. A numerical model is used to corroborate experimental results concerning the linear stress-strain curve. This work provides insights into carbon fiber reinforcement’s effect on material properties of Onyx honeycomb core structures, enabling more intelligent design of fiber reinforced honeycomb core structures.

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