Compression performances of composite aluminum foam tubes

Abstract

Composite aluminum foam tubes (CAFTs) with different porosities and diameter ratios were fabricated by a developed melt foaming method. Metallurgical bonding between aluminum foam and aluminum tubes was realized. 3D models based on real specimens were established by X-ray tomography. Moreover, axial mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of CAFTs were investigated by quasi-static compression tests coupled with finite element simulation. Meanwhile, the effect of porosity and diameter ratio on its energy absorption capacity was analyzed. The results showed that the deformation process of CAFTs is more stable and controllable compared with thin-walled tubes. When diameter ratio increased from 0.22 to 0.44 and 0.67, specific energy absorption increased by 17% and 26% respectively. Moreover, compression performances of CAFTs can be controlled by foam core porosity and diameter ratio. Finite element simulation results showed that deformation of CAFTs started from aluminum foam core and interface bonding played an important role in coordinating with the deformation. High consistency between experimental results and finite element simulation results was demonstrated and the reasons were discussed.