Mesoscopic investigation of closed-cell aluminum foams on energy absorption capability under impact

This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) mesoscopic model of closed-cell aluminum foams. This model is different from the model developed using Voronoi technique. Randomness of pores in shape and distribution is taken into account. The cell-wall thickness varies spatially which is consistent with test observations. Energy analysis approach is presented and validated. Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the energy absorption capability of the closed-cell aluminum foams under impact loading. Effects of mesoscopic configurations of aluminum foams (cell-wall strength and porosity) on energy absorption capability are investigated numerically. Mesoscopic responses of the cell-walls are discussed to reveal the mechanism of energy absorption capability. It reveals that the energy absorption capability originates from the permanent deformation (plastic strain, collapse and fracture) of cell-walls under impact.