AbstractÐThe tension±tension and compression±compression cyclic properties are measured for an open cell``Duocel'' foam of composition Al 6101±T6, and a closed cell``Alporas'' foam of composition Al± 5Ca±3Ti (wt%). The Duocel foam has a relatively uniform microstructure, and undergoes homogeneous straining in both monotonic and fatigue tests. In contrast, the Alporas foam is more irregular in microstructure, and exhibits crush-band formation at random locations under uniaxial compression; in compression±compression fatigue, a single crush band forms and broadens with additional fatigue cycles. Progressive shortening of the specimen in compression±compression fatigue, and progressive lengthening in tension±tension fatigue are due to a combination of low cycle fatigue failure and cyclic ratchetting. S±N fatigue curves are presented for the onset of progressive shortening in the compression tests, and material separation in the tension tests; it is envisaged that such curves will be of practical use in design. #

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