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Navigating the crossroads of sustainable infrastructure and innovative waste management, this research unveils the potential of waste honeycombs (WHCs)—an overlooked byproduct of apiculture—as a potent modifier for asphalt binder formulations. This endeavor addresses the dual challenge of enhancing road pavement sustainability and mitigating environmental degradation. A meticulous methodology evaluated the impact of varying WHC concentrations (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) on the asphalt binder, examining its attributes pre- and post-aging. Employing an array of analytical tools—thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID); Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); scanning electron microscopy (SEM); thermogravimetric analysis (TGA); and a suite of conventional tests such as penetration, softening point, viscosity, ductility, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and multiple stress-creep recovery (MSCR)—provided a comprehensive insight into the binder's behavior. TLC-FID analyses revealed that WHC, with its 92 wt.% resin content, altered the SARA profile across distinct aging conditions, notably reducing asphaltene content, a factor linked to binder stiffness. The colloidal instability index (IC) further attested to this, pointing to a more thermodynamically stable system with WHC's inclusion. Meanwhile, FT-IR confirmed a physical interaction between WHC and asphalt without introducing new chemical entities. SEM observations highlighted the superior miscibility of WHC with asphalt, evidenced by a unique microtexture. With marked precision, TGA assessments unveiled a bolstering of asphalt's inherent thermal resilience consequent to a minor WHC integration. From the conventional tests, shifts in penetration, softening point, and viscosity were observed, with reduced viscosity, indicating improved workability. Lastly, while rutting potential was sensitive to WHC concentrations, fatigue resistance notably heightened with minor to moderate WHC inclusions. In essence, this pioneering study advocates for WHC's integration into asphalt formulations, offering enhanced road performance coupled with sustainable waste utilization. The findings underscore the synergy between environmental stewardship and infrastructural advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NomexTM honeycomb core composite sandwich panels are widely used in aircraft structures. Detailed meso-scale finite element modeling of the honeycomb geometry can be used to analyze sandwich inserts, vibration response, and complex combined loading cases. The accuracy of a meso-scale honeycomb modeling technique for static load cases was evaluated. A rectangular honeycomb core was modeled with perfect hexagon honeycomb cells. Compression and shear tests simulations with linear and non-linear solutions were performed for four core densities. The simulated moduli and buckling strengths were recorded. These results were compared to property data published by honeycomb manufacturers. The simulated maximum honeycomb wall stresses at the manufacturer predicted core strengths were also recorded. The honeycomb walls' first compression deformation mode shape was observed. Sinusoidal small imperfections were then introduced in the honeycomb geometry based on that deformation mode shape. These imperfections provided a better match to manufacturer compressive modulus data while having a limited impact on the shear moduli. The simulated properties did not exactly match manufacturers' shear and compression data together for all the core densities. Modeling the honeycomb cells with rounded corners and with increased thickness at the cell junctions are potential strategies to improve the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]