The simulation of damaged honeycomb sandwich structures is an important aspect in the structural health monitoring and prognosis. This paper studies finite element modeling aspects of delaminated honeycomb sandwich structure. The models proposed are 3-D model of the honeycomb sandwich construction using isotropic shell elements and a layered shell element model, both with contact elements defined in between the delaminated skin and core. Case study is conducted on damaged and undamaged metallic sandwich beam with 3-D shell element modeling and layered element modelling. The models are validated using three point bending test of damaged and undamaged beams. Results are compared with the experimental, theoretical and finite element results. The results show that the layered element modeling simulates the stiffness and gives the similar results to that of 3D model in the global responses and is computationally efficient. © 2012. MechAero Foundation for Technical Research & Education Excellence.