Honeycomb structures are natural or man-made structures that have the geometry of a honeycomb to allow the minimization of the amount of used material to reach minimal weight and minimal material cost.
Man-made honeycomb structural materials are commonly made by layering a honeycomb material between two thin layers that provide strength in tension. This forms a plate-like assembly. Honeycomb materials are widely used where flat or slightly curved surfaces are needed and their high specific strength is valuable.
Honeycomb panel strength works much like an I-Beam, with the core being the vertical element and the facing being the flange, working together to create high shear strength. Like an I-beam, greater distance between skins (thicker core) will create greater strength.
