Mesoscopic investigation of closed-cell aluminum foams on energy absorption capability under impact. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Qin; Zhang, Jinhua; Zhang, Yadong; Liu, Jinchun; Gong, Ziming
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 124(2015)
• Page Start: 409
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Energy absorption -- Impact -- Closed-cell -- Aluminum foam -- Mesoscopic model; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.01.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) mesoscopic model of closed-cell aluminum foams. This model is different from the model developed using Voronoi technique. Randomness of pores in shape and distribution is taken into account. The cell-wall thickness varies spatially which is consistent with test observations. Energy analysis approach is presented and validated. Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the energy absorption capability of the closed-cell aluminum foams under impact loading. Effects of mesoscopic configurations of aluminum foams (cell-wall strength and porosity) on energy absorption capability are investigated numerically. Mesoscopic responses of the cell-walls are discussed to reveal the mechanism of energy absorption capability. It reveals that the energy absorption capability originates from the permanent deformation (plastic strain, collapse and fracture) of cell-walls under impact.