Abstract: In order to study the effect of debonding on the edgewise compression performance of the honeycomb sandwich structure with plain woven faceplate, the ABAQUS/Explicit solver and VUMAT subroutine were used to establish a finite element analysis model based on the progressive damage failure theory. The honeycomb sandwich structure with plain woven faceplate, non-damaging and debonding with three different diameters, were tested under edgewise compression. The testing results were compared with the results of finite element analysis. The research shows that the failure load and failure mode obtained by the finite element simulation are in good agreement with the results from the tests, which verifies the correctness of the established finite element analysis model. All the failure modes for the honeycomb sandwich structure with plain woven faceplate, non-damaging and debonding with three different diameters, are panel buckling, compression fracture, and compressive failure of the honeycomb core. Debonding has a small effect on the edgewise compression performance for the honeycomb sandwich structure with plain woven faceplate, and the faceplate is the main part carrying loading under edgewise compression. As the debonding diameter increases, the load-displacement curve fluctuates more violently and the frequency of fluctuations is higher. The damage of the adhesive layer mainly occurs in a small area near the debonding, and has little impact on the overall performance of the structure. The damage of the faceplate extends from the free edge, in the direction vertical to the loading, to the fracture.

Key words: plain woven, honeycomb sandwich structure, progressive damage analysis, edgewise compression properties, debonding, composite material