Behaviour of aluminium foam under uniaxial compression

Abstract

The deformation behaviour of different types of closed cell aluminium foam (Alulight, Alporas) was studied.Compression tests indicate that inhomogeneities in the density distribution might be the key factor in determining the mechanical behaviour of foams. Strengthening and softening of the foam can be related to the formation of deformation bands. Depending on the composition and the microstructure of the cell wall material, cells undergo either ductile or brittle collapse. A three dimensional ®nite element analysis, which has the capability to simulate the initial deformation of foam samples, is presented. Continuum mechanics methods are used to describe the behaviour of foam. Each foam sample is divided into subregions, according to their density distribution. Scaling laws are used to simulate the mechanical properties of the subregions. Experimental data are compared with results of the presented model. Very good agreement between experiments and modelling was found for the rather inhomogeneous Alulight material.MST/4547

Impact dynamics of metal foam shells for motorcycle helmets: Experiments & numerical modeling

“…The advances in manufacturing processes and various ways of characterizing the properties of cellular metals, structural and functional applications of metal foams for industrial sectors have been reviewed by Banhart [5]. The behaviour of different types of closedcell aluminium foams under uniaxial compression has been studied by Kriszt et al [6]. Strong fluctuations in the density distribution were observed in Alulight foams (AlSi10Mg and AlMg1Si0.6) whereas density distribution in Alporas foams was uniform.…”

“…The literature on metal foams has focused mainly on the processing [5] and mechanical behaviour [6,7] but less on their mechanical performance in various practical applications. The advances in manufacturing processes and various ways of characterizing the properties of cellular metals, structural and functional applications of metal foams for industrial sectors have been reviewed by Banhart [5].…”

Foaming Process and Properties of 6063 Aluminum Foams by Melt Foaming Method

“…23) It is mainly up to the stirring intensity when adding the blowing agent into the melt. 24) Besides, cooling rate is another important factor for which it in uences not only the pore size but also the grain size in the cell walls of the foams.…”

“…On one hand, the decomposition of blowing agent is speeding up with the raising temperature, so that a higher foaming temperature leads to excess decomposition of blowing agent; on the other hand, a lower foaming temperature helps enhance the stability of aluminum foams for that the molten viscosity increases with the decreasing temperature. 23) According to Al-Si phase diagram, 0.2-0.6 mass% Si in 6063 aluminum alloy can help decrease the liquidus temperature of the melt to adapt the condition well. Meanwhile, the strengthening phase Mg 2 Si in 6063 alloy helps increase the compressive strength, so that the energy absorption is superior to that of pure aluminum foam.…”

Mechanical Behaviour of the Porous and Foam Aluminium in Conditions of Compression: Determination of Key Mechanical Characteristics

“…3,9,10] based on an idealized representation of cellular structure were found to be inadequate to represent the actual profile of mechanical properties for real porous metals and metallic foams [9,10]. Different imperfections existing in real Al foams, processing additives, and variation in the testing conditions result in considerable disagreements between experimental results and theoretical predictions [10,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Thus, specification of mechanical tests for porous Al and Al foams with well-defined data related to microstructure of the cell wall material is a way to provide for validity of material verification essential for engineering design.…”