Compressive behaviour and energy absorption of functionally graded composite foams

Abstract

Based on layered structure, the functionally graded aluminium foams have unique energy absorption behaviour under different conditions. In this work, the functionally graded Al matrix composite foams (FG-AMCFs), which contained the layer of Al foam and the layer of carbon nanotubes reinforced Al composite foams, were successfully prepared. The compressive properties and energy absorption response of FG-AMCFs were studied under the quasi-static compression and drop-weight tests. The results show that the content of CNTs (less than 3 wt-%) has little effect on the mechanical properties of FG-AMCFs under quasi-static compression. While, the load of FG-ACMFs remains relatively stable under drop-weight impact, which indicates that FG-ACMFs is an excellent impact protection material. The deformation of FG-AMCFs starts from the weakest layer.