Failure Mechanisms of an Al 6061 Alloy Foam under Dynamic Conditions

Abstract

The interesting properties of Al 6061 aluminum foams have boosted the research on the correlation between foam composition and morphology and its mechanical response under dynamic conditions. In this study, ingots of an Al 6061-T4 foam were sectioned and analyzed in order to determine their microstructural and morphological characteristics, and then quasi-static and dynamic tests (10−3 to 3 × 102 s−1) were carried out to determine the material mechanical behavior. Dynamic tests, carried out by using the split Hopkinson bar, highlighted that the studied foam is characterized by a very good energy absorption capability, due to its ductile behavior. Nevertheless, the conducted research showed that cell morphology and distribution affect its mechanical behavior in dynamic conditions in which localized cell collapse may result in a decreased energy absorption and efficiency of the foam.

Mechanical Properties of Al Foams Subjected to Compression by a Cone-Shaped Indenter

“…P values at fixed displacements of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm were obtained and compared with each other to address this issue. As shown in Figure d, P at h = 6 mm is as a function of θ, which indicates that the load asymptotically increases with the increase of θ. Nominally, the first peak loaded in the uniaxial compression test corresponds to the plastic collapse strength of a cell band …”

Dynamics and Strength of Circular Tube Open Wagons with Aluminum Foam Filled Center Sills

“…The dynamic loading on a wagon in operation can be reduced with the application of aluminum foam as an energy-absorbing material [6,7]. One of the most rational options for using aluminum foam for the wagon structure is to apply it as a filler for wagon components of closed sections, e.g., the circular tube carrying structures of wagons.…”

“…It should be mentioned that the aluminum foam used as a structural material for a long time in the mechanical engineering all over the world has proved its efficiency [1][2][3][4][5]. Article [6] (p. 11) suggests that it is advantageous to use the studied foam for the development of energy absorber elements to improve vehicle crashworthiness during low-speed impact. Metal foams belong to a Materials 2021, 14, 1915 2 of 12 particular class of metals with an interesting mix of mechanical and physical properties.…”