modeling honeycomb core in solidworks

[kdee122]

I need to model honeycomb core material for a composite panel. Whats thee best way to model this. I planeed to make a aprrox 4 X 8 foot "solid" of the core, by making a solid plate and then adding a pattern of cutouts. I would then trim this solid for the core shape needed.

kd

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

This depends on how accurately you want to reproduce the actual method of manufacture of the honeycomb.

How is the actual honeycomb constructed? Bent strips glued or fastened together, interlocking straight strips, etc.

What is it's shape?

If the honeycomb is only for appearance, then a texture could be used on a solid rectangular slab. However in the drawings a honeycomb hatch or fill pattern would have to be used.

 

[APPENG]

If you model the sheet with a pattern of cutouts, that is going to be a huge drain on performance. I would advise against it unless you are absolutely in need to do so. Otherwise I would follow my esteemed colleage corblimeys' advise and use a a texture.

By The Way.. Blimey... I actually found out what "Corblimey Governor" meant!!!

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

my esteemed colleage

WOW ... I've been called many things ... but never that

For a few other "quaint" English expressions see

http://www.telebar.com/britspeak.html

 

[Cryo1]

Is your core on a flat surface or curve? I modeled a flame arrestor with a honeycomb core. I started with a hex-cell and an extension for the offset base. Then did linear patterns. SolidWorks 2004 had trouble with the combination of linear patterns and mirrors on this. Email me if you want a GIF of the outline. Yes it is a memory hog.

 

[drawoh]

kdee122,

To model a hexagonal cut-out, you must create two hexagons diagonally next to each other. You can now create a linear array. You may have to add a hexagon at the end of the process to complete the pattern. This gives you a nice hexagonal pattern, suitable for modeling an off-the-shelf hexagonal patterned material. If you are performing a manufacturing operation on the hexagons, you will need more detail. The patterning should still work.

A pattern of hexagons is probably not that hard a hit on your performance. Curves are worse. If you plan to click on an object while in transparent mode, the hexagons are going to drive you nuts. Having a non-hexagon configuration will save you and your co-workers much grief.

Do you really need to see hexagons on the drawings? If not, consider modeling the top and bottom panels the way they are seen, and modeling the core as a solid with a very low density.

JHG

 

[MadMango]

Just make sure you enable Geometry Pattern, it will be less of a system hog.

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Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
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