Failure mode analysis and validation of hierarchical sandwich structures under compression

•The mechanical properties and failure pattern are studied, considering the local failure defects, and the nominal positive stress expression of the hierarchical sandwich structures with a second-order core were presented.•The dominant relationship of each failure mode was compared, then the influence law of different local failure defects on the structure-dominant failure mode was discussed.•The verification experiment models were made with photosensitive resin 9000 material and 3D printing technology.•Through the uniaxial compression test on the experimental model and numerical simulation, the correctness of the theoretical prediction of structural failure mode and ultimate bearing capacity is verified.