Quasi-static and high strain rates compressive behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foams

The compressive deformation behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foams with varying cenosphere sizes have been studied at varying strain rates (from 10 to 3∼103 s−1). The results showed that the size of the cenospheres and the strain rates had significant effects on the compressive properties. The smaller cenospheres ensured higher compressive strength due to fewer flaws in the microstructure and better mechanical stability. The energy absorption of the present syntactic foam was found to increase with an increase in strain rates. Compared to the conditions under quasi-static loading, the energy absorption capacity of syntactic foam exhibited 75-85% more under dynamic loading. The different compressive failure characteristics of syntactic foams could be attributed to the unit of shear displacement which got smaller with the increasing strain rates. These foams showed pronounced energy absorption capabilities, suggesting their potential for use in blast and impact protection.