Study on the Mechanical Properties of Composite Metal Foam Core Sandwich Panels

Abstract

Metal foams are known for their energy absorption under compression but generally lack strength in tension. Metal foam core sandwich panels can offer a non-porous surface and improve the material’s corrosion resistance as well as their strength in tension. Composite metal foam (CMF) is a type of metal foam that has superior mechanical properties compared to other metallic foams due to the presence of a matrix in between its porosities and their uniform cell structure. The mechanical properties of CMF under various loading scenarios are well established, but mechanical properties of CMF core sandwich panels (CMF-CSP) have yet to be reported. This work will report the mechanical properties of CMF-CSPs and compare those to bare CMF panel properties under compression, bending, and tension. CMF-CSPs were manufactured by diffusion bonding stainless steel face sheets to the top and bottom of stainless steel CMF plates. The tensile and bending yield strengths and failure strain saw a drastic increase due to the addition of the face sheets, while the compressive properties of the CMF core were unchanged. Overall, CMF-CSP can be preferred for applications that require a nonporous surface, such as those exposed to corrosive environment like material used in tank cars carrying hazardous materials, in machine tools, and even basic components of building structures. Alternative adhesions methods for the face sheets are currently explored and will be reported in future studies.