Micro-Structure Analysis of Quasi-Static Crushing and Low-Velocity Impact Behavior of Graded Composite Metallic Foam Filled Tube

Abstract

Foam filled tubes (FFT) are novel structures with high energy absorption, enhanced strength to weight ratio, and tailoring capability. In the present paper, we have analyzed quasi-static uniaxial compression and low-velocity impact behavior of FFT with closed-cell metallic foam cores and functionally graded densities both experimentally and numerically. Alporas foams were manufactured using liquid state method with TiH2 blowing agent. We prepared Specimens with graded composition and densities by stacking of several layers of pure aluminum and A356 alloy Alporas foams with cubic geometry. We conducted several standard uniaxial compression experiments to determine the non-linear mechanical properties and hardening. Square aluminum tubes are manipulated to enhance the performance and tailoring specification of the structure. We generated microstructural models using a hybrid 3D Voronoi diagram and CT-scan images to predict mechanical behavior numerically. Computed tomography is used to determine the inner cells morphological characterization. Also, the modified Kelvin cell with a beam element in edge regions is manipulated to enhance accuracy. Comparing the quasi-static experiment and FEA results show good accordance, and hence, we achieved the calibrated model. Finally, we used the numerical model in FFT tailoring and mechanical properties design.