Abstract
In this study, aluminum foams reinforced with different steel elements were produced by the AluLight process. The master alloy AlMgSi0.6 was used as the matrix material, titanium hydride (TiH2) powder was used as a foaming agent, and steel wire, cylindrical steel mesh and flat steel mesh were used as reinforcing elements. Reinforcements were placed inside the mold, along with the precursors, and samples were manufactured by gas releasing particles in a semi-solid state. To examine the effect of the reinforcements on specific energy absorption, quasi-static uniaxial compression tests were carried out, with a constant separation rate of 1 mm/s. From the tested results, the energy absorption per unit volume and specific energy absorption efficiency were calculated and then also statistically evaluated. The results showed that examined shapes of reinforcements affect differently specific energy absorption and its efficiency, compared to non-reinforced aluminum foams. The best result obtained was with cylindrically shaped steel mesh.
Highlights
The greatest advantage of their properties is a cellular structure that imitates other cellular structures that can be found in nature, such as wood or bones [2]
The objective of this study is to investigate aluminum foams with different kinds of inside reinforcements
Producing aluminum foams is still very complex and unpredictable, where engineers and scientists are continuously contributing to their investigation of the production of aluminum foams
Summary
Metal foams are considered a new material, but they are still imperfectly characterized. The combination of their properties, such as low-density and great mechanical, electrical and acoustic properties, make them ideal for lightweight structures, energy absorption and thermal regulation [1]. The greatest advantage of their properties is a cellular structure that imitates other cellular structures that can be found in nature, such as wood or bones [2]. They have been attracting considerable attention in the past few years and have the potential to be used in the automotive industry.
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