Mimicking the loading adaptation of bone microstructure with aluminum foams. (15th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirzaali, Mohammad J.; Mussi, Valerio; Vena, Pasquale; Libonati, Flavia; Vergani, Laura; Strano, Matteo
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 126(2017)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2017-07-15
• Subjects: Cellular materials -- Closed-cell aluminum foam -- Graded pore distribution -- Elongated pore distribution -- Micro-FE simulation -- Bovine trabecular bone -- Biomimicry; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.04.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Nature has always been considered as a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers to create or mimic new materials with interesting properties. In this study, we draw inspiration from the loading adaptation of trabecular bone microstructure, which exhibits a graded distribution of porosity and cell size, with axially elongated cells. Using conventional foaming processes, we designed, manufactured and tested two different types of bone-inspired aluminum closed cell foams, aimed at mimicking the loading adaptation feature: the first type, characterized by a directional gradient of pores (i.e. along the length of the specimens) and the second type, characterized by elongated pores by hot rolling process. Micro-Computed Tomography (μCT) is used to compare the morphological properties of aluminum foams and those of bones. Geometry-based Finite Element (FE) models are built from the μCT images and validated by means of experimental data. Using image analysis techniques, virtual models have been created to expand the range of data and get further insight into the structural behavior of the material. This study shows that closed cell aluminum foams can be produced with biomimetic uniaxial mechanical properties in the low strain regime, by controlling their relative density and the axial orientation of cells. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Loading adaptation of the microstructures of the bovine trabecular bones can be mimicked in closed-cell aluminum foams Hot rolling and precursor arrangement can induce anisotropy in the microstructure of closed-cell foams Aluminum foams with closed elongated cell mimic the anisotropic mechanical properties of trabecular bones in the low strain region Virtual μFE-models from image analysis elucidate the effect of microstructures on macroscopic mechanical properties of foams Power-law correlation models show similarities between closed cell aluminum foam and trabecular bones