Experimental and analytical study on the deformation response of closed-cell Al foam panels to local contact damage—Mechanical properties extraction

The present paper studies the deformation response of closed-cell aluminium foam panels (ALPORAS brand) to local contact damage, experimentally simulated by indentation tests with indenters of various shapes and sizes. The foam density varies between 0.184 g/cm3 and 0.351 g/cm3; panels of various thicknesses are also considered. Analytical models are developed to estimate the crushing force, the tearing resistance, and the shearing resistance in indentation with cylindrical and spherical indenters. Of particular interest are the failure mechanisms, the foam ligament tear energy and the foam shear strength in all indentation types. The tear energy, as well as the shear strength, is deduced by fitting the experimental load–displacement curves and using the developed analytical models. The influence of the panel thickness, indenter shape and size, and foam microstructure on the deformation mechanisms and material properties is also discussed.

Research highlightsThis manuscript presents a study on the response of closed-cell aluminium foams (ALPORAS) indented with punches of various shapes and sizes. The material properties were extracted from our experimental work, using the analytical models developed in the paper. Our study deepens the understanding of the phenomenon and compliments the already published reports in the field. It also provides explanation for some differences noticed in the literature. The effect of the panel thickness on the material properties is addressed as well.