Modelling and Experimental Investigation of Hexagonal Nacre-Like Structure Stiffness

A highly ordered, hexagonal, nacre-like composite stiffness is investigated using experiments, simulations, and analytical models. Polystyrene and polyurethane are selected as materials for the manufactured specimens using laser cutting and hand lamination. A simulation geometry is made by digital m...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rami Rouhana, Markus Stommel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
Series:Journal of Composites Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/4/3/91
Description
Summary:A highly ordered, hexagonal, nacre-like composite stiffness is investigated using experiments, simulations, and analytical models. Polystyrene and polyurethane are selected as materials for the manufactured specimens using laser cutting and hand lamination. A simulation geometry is made by digital microscope measurements of the specimens, and a simulation is conducted using material data based on component material characterization. Available analytical models are compared to the experimental results, and a more accurate model is derived specifically for highly ordered hexagonal tablets with relatively large in-plane gaps. The influence of hexagonal width, cut width, and interface thickness are analyzed using the hexagonal nacre-like composite stiffness model. The proposed analytical model converges within 1% with the simulation and experimental results.
ISSN:2504-477X