Young's modulus estimation for CNT reinforced metallic foams obtained using different space holder particles

In this work Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used in order to estimate the effect of the pore size and the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes (CNT) used as reinforcement, for Al-12%Si foams with 50% of porosity. Two different space holder particles (SHP) were used to simulate foams manufactured by infiltration, modeling pores of two different fractal distributions according to the size of the SHPs: NaCl and NH4HCO3. Random pore arrangements were modeled combining Discrete Element Method (DEM) and FEA. Coordinates were firstly generated using DEM, while in a second stage CNTs and pores were modeled by FEA. Estimations show important differences according to the used SHP, decreasing the Young's modulus for the foams with the smallest pore sizes. The Young's modulus also increased with the CNT volume fraction. Results showed the importance of the selection of random models and the use of FEA for predicting the Young's modulus of reinforced metallic foams.