Evaluation of mechanical properties under quasi-static compression of open-cell foams of 6061-T6 Al alloy fabricated by pressurized salt infiltration casting method

Abstract

We report the mechanical properties of open-cell foams of 6061-T6 Al alloy under quasi-static compression. The open-cell foams were fabricated by a proprietary process of pressurized salt infiltration casting of the molten Al alloy in inert atmosphere using preforms of leachable salt particles. The foam morphology was studied with optical and electron microscopes and X-ray computed tomography (CT), which confirmed the formation of interconnected open-cell structures. Quasi-static compression studies showed monotonic improvement in the strength and elastic properties of the foams with the increase in relative density (ρrel) and cell size. Effects of sample dimension on the mechanical properties of the foams were also studied in detail.