A novel cylindrical sandwich plate inspired by beetle elytra and its compressive properties

The design and experimental analysis of a semi-cylindrical structure known as the cylindrical beetle elytron plate (CBEP) were presented. Radial compression tests and finite element simulation were performed on CBEPs under 30° and 45° inclined sliding support constraints, with a comparison made to cylindrical honeycomb plate (CHP). The study aims to investigate the superior compression performance and enhancement mechanisms of CBEPs. The results demonstrate that CBEPs exhibit a 14%–26% increase in specific load-bearing capacity and a 20% increase in specific energy absorption compared with CHPs with equal core wall thickness. Distinct “Z-shaped” tearing failures were observed, with honeycomb plates showing tearing at the center of the honeycomb walls, while beetle elytron plates exhibited tearing along the midline of the trabeculae. Three different stress patterns, including elastic-plastic development stage of arch, plastic hinge node stage, and rigid node stage, were identified and analyzed to explain the mechanical performance improvements and failure characteristics. Considering that structural damage to trabeculae mostly occurs at its junction with the skin, it is recommended to add chamfers to the junctions of CBEP. Therefore, this paper lays the groundwork for the engineering application of CBEP.