Studies on the dynamic compressive properties of open-celled aluminum alloy foams

The compressive deformation behavior of open-cell aluminum foams with different densities and morphologies was assessed under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. High strain rate experiments were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar technique at strain rates ranging from 500 to 2000 s(-1). The experimental results shown that the compressive stress-strain curves of aluminum foams also have the "three regions" character appeared in general foam materials, namely elastic region, collapse region and densification regions. It is found that density is the primary variable characterizing the modulus and yield strength of foams and the cell appears to have a negligible effect on the strength of foams. It also is found that yield strength and energy absorption is almost insensitive to strain rate and deformation is spatially uniform for the open-celled aluminum foams, over a wide range of strain rates.