Graphene-Reinforced Aluminum Hybrid Foam: Response to High Strain Rate Deformation

The compressive deformation behavior of 0.5wt.% graphene-reinforced aluminum-SiC hybrid composite foam under dynamic loading over strain rates of 500-2760s(-1) was studied using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar unit. It was found that under the dynamic loading, the plateau stress and energy absorption of aluminum hybrid foam increased with strain rate. On the other hand, the densification strain did vary only marginally with strain rate. Further, it was noted that the foam with lower relative density was more sensitive to strain rate. The lighter foams exhibited higher plateau stress and energy absorption as compared to the heavier ones. The plateau stress and energy absorption were enhanced marginally with relative density. Present results showed that the plateau stress is sensitive to strain rate and less sensitive to relative density. The coefficient, in scaling relation to predict compressive plateau stress, was in the range of 0.2-0.5 for strain rates 500-2760s(-1).