Analytical models for the mechanical behavior of closed and open-cell Al foams

Two 3D analytical models are proposed for the determination of mechanical properties of Al closed and open-cell foams under compression load. The first model, referring to closed cell foams, is symmetrical, considering ellipsoid cells equally arranged in a rectangular plate, whereas the second one, related to open-cell foams, consists of a simple unit parallelepiped cell.The closed cell model produces much higher values of the plateau stress than comparable experimental results, mainly due to the associated conditions of symmetry, contrary to the open-cell model which yields values close to experimental and theoretical results of other investigators. Additionally, in the latter case, a unit cubic cell is also considered for comparison reasons. Both models are solved by the finite element method using a commercial program. The open-cell model is simple, time sparing and easy to use. Finally, a fracture analysis of the model is conducted based on the energy density concept and results are given for distortion and dilatational effects.