Abstract: | The in‐plane bearing capacity of the face layer and core layer of a honeycomb paperboard is limited and unstable. However, a combination of the face layer and core layer of the honeycomb paperboard protects cardboard from small‐load buckling instability and provides sufficient stiffness and bearing strength. In the study, the platform theory models of the machine direction and cross direction are established based on plastic deformation, plastic energy dissipation, and the energy conservation theory. Additionally, the marginal pressure strength in the machine direction and cross direction are deduced by combining the practical application of the honeycomb paperboard. A comparison of theoretical and experimental data indicates that the two are in good agreement. Therefore, the theoretical results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the scientific and reasonable selection of important parameters of honeycomb paperboards with different strength requirements. |