A novel approach to manufacturing and experimental investigation of closed-cell Al foams

Abstract

This investigation proposes a modified technique for manufacturing closed-cell aluminum foams to reduce the cost of production of foaming agents during the casting and foaming process. The addition of foaming agents promotes the uniformity of cell sizes and controls the viscosity of the melting aluminum alloy. Moreover, this work elucidates the mechanical characteristics of closed-cell aluminum foams under compressive loading. Discussions cover the compressive stress-strain curve, densification strain and energy absorption effects of various specimens with various porosities. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the aluminum foams is determined, and the results compared with some theoretical predictions. The optimum parameters for meeting some tendentious and practical design requirements, such as those of impact absorption and thermal insulation design applications, are discussed. Finally, an empirical correlation between normalized yield strength and relative densities is obtained .