Structural Performance Analysis of a Novel Pyramidal Cellular Core Obtained through a Mechanical Expansion Process

Stiff and strong yet lightweight cellular structures have become widely designed and used as cores for the construction of sandwich panels to reach high stiffness and strength to weight ratios. A low-density pyramidal cellular core has been proposed for investigation in this work. The novel core is manufactured from stainless steel sheet type 304 through a mechanical expansion procedure which is described in detail. The out-of-plane stiffness and strength performance is estimated by an analytical model which is successfully validated through experimental tests. A comparative study with other existing cellular core configurations made from other materials indicates an average performance behavior for the investigated structure. However, potential for a further structural performance increase is observed and discussed