Estimation of three-point bending behavior using finite element method for 3D-printed polymeric sandwich structures with honeycomb and reentrant core

Abstract

Sandwich structures are known as ultra-light porous materials. Because the structure has advantages in terms of acoustics, fatigue, and impact resistance that conventional stiffened plates cannot match, it has become a popular material in aerospace, automotive, marine, windmill, and architectural applications. One promising method for decreasing production waste and enhancing flexural stress is to employ Additive Manufacture (AM) technologies for sandwich structure manufacturing. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) sandwich structures with reentrant and honeycomb cores were designed and then a finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to compare the stress distributions in these sandwich composites. According to the findings, higher flexure stresses and specific energy absorption were obtained in the reentrant sandwich structures compared to honeycomb sandwich structures. A minimum equivalent stress value was found in the ABS material, while a maximum equivalent stress value was found in the PLA material.