Compressive Behavior and Energy Absorption Capability of Reinforced Closed-Cell Aluminum Alloy Foams

Abstract

In recent years aluminum foams and lightweight composite structures with foam core became popular in aerospace as well as in the automotive industry, because of their unique mechanical properties combined with a very low density. This paper investigates and compares the mechanical behavior, the collapse modes and energy absorption capability of unreinforced and reinforced (with 2 different reinforcement positions) aluminum foam composite structures. Quasi-static compressive tests have been undertaken under three different directions and the reinforcement effect on the main mechanical properties (Young's modulus, yield stress, plateau stress and densification) was investigated. The tested closed-cell aluminum alloy foams with a density of 325 kg/m3 were reinforced with stainless steel mesh. It has been shown that the compression strength and energy absorption performances of the composite foams can be optimized through the correct positioning of the reinforcements.