Performance of closed-cell aluminum foams subjected to impact loading

An experimental study has been conducted to examine the impact behavior, deformation mode and energy absorption ability during axial crushing of aluminum foams. Aluminum foams with two different components, manufactured by molten body transitional foaming process, were used in the experiment. Impacts were imparted with an Instron 9250HV impact system and with the impact energy of 150 J. The results showed that the dynamic impact contains two steps: initial compression and gradual crushing. In the displacement–load curve, the enhancement of peak load was due to the micro-inertia effect. Two deformation modes existed in specimens as a result of wave propagation and reflection. During impact, the increasing foam density resulted in a higher value of specific energy absorption. The energy absorption ability of 6063 aluminum alloys was superior to that of the pure aluminum foam.