In-plane compression of hollow composite pyramidal lattice sandwich columns

Composite lattice structures can be regarded as hierarchical when trusses have their own structure (e.g. different stacking sequences are incorporated). In this study, hollow composite pyramidal lattice sandwich structures in end compression were analyzed, measured and evaluated with respect to the designable properties of sandwich cores, such as relative density and truss stacking sequence. Collapse mechanism charts were constructed for both component elements and sandwich columns to illustrate the influence of structural geometries and properties of composite pyramidal lattice cores on failure modes. Operative failure modes were identified and the analytical models were shown to be accurate when compared to the measured response. The minimum weight design for the hollow composite pyramidal lattice sandwich column in end compression was carried out and the structural efficiency was also discussed.