Improve design for a single-layer honeycomb structure with foam under static and dynamic stress analysis

This study's objective is to increase the strength and energy absorption rate of a single-layer honeycomb structure (HCS) with foam under static forces and dynamic impact loads through design of experiments and multi-objective optimization. For the methodology, a set of simulation experiments is conducted using the uniform design (UD) method. Static and dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to calculate the maximum von Mises stress (VMS) and deformation in the honeycomb core (HCC) under ASTM tension, compression, and impact load testing rules using ANSYS/Workbench. Additionally, the energy absorption of the HCS model is evaluated from dynamic FEA results. By integrating Kriging interpolation (KGI), entropy weighting analysis (EWA), gray relation analysis (GRA), and genetic algorithm (GA), various optimal design results for the HCC model are obtained, considering maximum structural strength and energy absorption rate, respectively. After applying the multi-objective optimal design procedure, the improvement rate for the maximal von Mises stress is 40.5% comparing to the original design. Moreover, the improved rates for the maximum deformation and energy absorption are 16.2% and 21.5%. Consequently, the multi-objective optimization procedure is an effective method and results in a stronger single-layer HCC with foam material and increased energy absorption.