Illustration showing how radially oriented honeycomb structures can be used within a container to provide strength, sound insulation, or thermal insulation. The structure includes multiple radially aligned layers of a shaped strip. (Image: SRNL)
Savannah River National Laboratory said it has received a patent for its radially oriented honeycomb structures. The technology offers a solution to the deformation of cylindrical honeycomb structures when they are formed from flat panels, providing a way to create structures with greater wall thickness than traditional methods.
According to SRNL, the patent recognizes the unique honeycomb structures that include a curved, corrugated wall made from layers of shaped strips. These strips are created with cells (honeycombs) of variable shape that allow for radial orientation of the strip with little or no deformation or stress on the edges.
The problem: Traditional methods of forming cylindrical honeycomb structures from flat panels often lead to adverse deformation, limiting the achievable wall thickness.
The solution: SRNL’s patent focuses on a design that addresses this issue, allowing for the creation of cylindrical honeycomb structures with greater wall thickness. It also allows for creation of a large variety of shapes with different curvatures in a single structure, providing the ability to create unique designs for low-density, high-strength structures, SRNL said.
Applications: The technology will be used in SRNL-designed radioactive material packaging applications to absorb impact energy during accident conditions—should they occur—and prevent the release of hazardous materials.
Radially oriented honeycomb may also find commercial success as a replacement for common consumer packaging materials, including cardboard tubes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap, SRNL said.
“We expect this technology will benefit both the [Department of Energy] complex as well as the public by offering a unique solution to a common packaging and transportation issue,” said Josh Flach of SRNL’s packaging technology division. “We appreciate that SRNL fosters creativity and innovation in the workplace, which makes inventions like this possible.”
