Mechanical behavior of open-cell metallic foams with dual-size cellular structure

Abstract

The mechanical properties of open-cell aluminum foams with dual-size cellular structure have been studied experimentally and numerically. Introducing secondary-size cells increases the stiffness and strength of open-cell aluminum foams. The effect of dual-size cellular structure optimization on the mechanical properties of open-cell foams is investigated using finite element analysis. Deformations of uniform-size and dual-size open-cell structures are compared and the mechanism whereby the dual-size cellular structure increases stiffness and strength is discussed.