On the Quasi-Static and Dynamic Compressive Behavior of Paper Honeycomb: Experimental and Numerical Study

Abstract

This study explores the quasi-static and dynamic compressive behavior of paper-based honeycomb structures, with a focus on quantifying the distinct roles of strain rate sensitivity, microinertia, and entrapped air. While these effects have been broadly recognized in prior work, the novelty of this research lies in the systematic separation and evaluation of their individual contributions using a validated experimental-numerical approach tailored for low-strength, sustainable materials. A custom direct impact test setup was developed to capture dynamic force response with high resolution, overcoming the limitations of conventional high-rate methods such as SHPB, which are not suitable for paper. The material model implemented in LS-DYNA incorporates CowperSymonds parameters derived from relevant high strain-rate data and simulates air interaction using an ALE-based fluid-structure framework. The numerical results closely match the experimental findings across different impact velocities, allowing each mechanism to be isolated and quantitatively assessed. The study shows that microinertia dominates the early deformation response, strain rate sensitivity becomes more pronounced at higher velocities, and entrapped air affects force levels during intermediate compression. These findings offer a practical and validated modeling framework that can support the design of recyclable protective systems, where weight, sustainability, and performance under impact are critical considerations.