Simulated properties of Kagome and tetragonal truss core panels

The finite element method has been used to simulate the properties of panels with Kagome and tetragonal cores under compressive and shear loading. The simulation has been performed for two different materials: a Cu-alloy with extensive strain hardening and an M-alloy with minimal hardening. It is shown that the Kagome core is more resistant to plastic buckling than the tetragonal core under both compression and shear. One consequence is that the Kagome structure has the greater load capacity and a deferred susceptibility to softening. Another is that the Kagome core is isotropic in shear: contrasting with the soft orientations exhibited by the tetragonal core. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.