Use of AA3003 Aluminum Properties for Simulation of Vertical Load Bearing Capability of Composite Sandwich Core Geometry

Aluminum sandwich construction is one of the composite materials that has been recognized as a promising concept for the structural design of light transportation systems such as airplanes, high-speed trains, and fast boats. The design of the geometric structure of the core sandwich composite is one of the most valuable aspects in the development of structural engineering innovations in the composite material industry. The geometric shapes will be simulated including honeycomb, triangle, square, and trapezoid. The honeycomb core sandwich composite properties include dimensions, specific gravity, modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, yield stress, and so on will be used as a reference for other geometrical models in the simulation. The sandwich construction provides excellent structural efficiency, that is, with a high strength-to-weight ratio. This paper simulates the effect of the core geometry of a sandwich composite by comparing the mechanical response of hexagonal, triangular, square, and trapezoidal shapes using SAP 2000 software version 14. The simulation results show the potential for further research on alternative geometric shapes on the ability to withstand loads with the main aspects considered light and economical. The results require further research such as other simulation variations and physical tests so that the results are more valid.