A note on the deformation behaviour of two-dimensional model cellular structures

The influence of structural inhomogeneities on the mechanical response of cellular solids has been described using model two-dimensional honeycomb structures with defects. Two types of defect have been considered, namely those which contribute to local strengthening by selectively filling some of the cells, and those which contribute to local weakening by removing one or more cell walls. The effect of these defects on the macroscopic stress-strain response and the spatial distribution of collapse events and the control of these events by the use of local stiffening elements is described. Systematic variations in elastic modulus, strain hardening and densification strain are observed, suggesting that two-phase cellular solids can be designed for specific applications.