Crushing of Aluminum Closed Cell Foams: Density and Strain Rate Effects

Abstract

The quasi-static and high strain rate compression behavior of an Al closed cell foam was examined in detail. The compression flow stress of the foam was a function of the relative density but exhibits little or no strain rate density. In addition to the flow stress, the energy absorption was also related to the foam density by a similar power law dependency. Metallographic observations of compressively deformed foam confirmed the general processes of progressive cell wall collapse.