Dynamic compressive behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foam and its multilayer structure

The dynamic mechanical behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foam was investigated by Split-Hopkinson pressure bar system in this paper. The aluminum matrix syntactic foam was fabricated by pressure infiltration technique, which had a porosity ratio of 45%. The energy absorption capability of syntactic foam exceeded 70% under dynamic loading versus under quasi-static loading. During the deformation process, the syntactic foam exhibited a well energy absorption capability due to the reduction of original pores in syntactic foam accused by cenospheres rupture. Base on the excellent energy absorption capability of aluminum matrix syntactic foam, a better multilayer structure (consisted of A3 steel, syntactic foam and aluminum) as armor than traditional armor was designed in this paper. Besides, the dynamic mechanical behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foam was also investigated. The results of dynamic compression indicated that the syntactic foam can resist from the spread of impact wave due to abundant pores in multilayer structure. Hence, the aluminum matrix syntactic foam is considerably suit for the varied protective devices aerospace and automobile applications because of their high strength–density ratio and excellent energy absorption ability.

► The dynamic behavior of aluminum matrix syntactic foam was investigated by SHPB.
► The compressive strength under dynamic loading is higher than quasi-static.
► The syntactic foam can resist from the spread of impact wave.
► The dynamic behavior of multilayer structure was investigated by SHPB.
► Energy absorption capacity under dynamic loading is higher than quasi-static.