Effective elastic properties of the grid structure based on asymptotic homogenization method

This study develops a computational framework integrating the asymptotic homogenization method (AHM) for periodic microstructures and classical plate theory to predict the equivalent stiffness parameters of honeycomb grid sandwich plates. By constructing an integrated unit cell model, the homogenized tensile, bending, and shear stiffness parameters are efficiently derived through finite element analysis using ANSYS. Validation against full-scale models confirms the method’s accuracy, with maximum errors <3% compared to detailed solid-element simulations and analytical methods. For a hexagonal aluminum honeycomb core, the integrated model reduces computational costs by 60%–70% while capturing critical shear effects in thick sandwich configurations, which are neglected in classical Kirchhoff theory. This work provides a validated tool for rapid stiffness prediction in lightweight aerospace and automotive structures, demonstrating the broad applicability of the AHM for periodic materials.