Effect of porosity and cell size on the dynamic compressive properties of aluminum alloy foams

The dynamic mechanical properties of open-cell aluminum alloy foams with different relative densities and cell sizes have been investigated by compressive tests. The strain rates varied from 700 s(-1) to 2600 s(-1). The experimental results showed that the dynamic compressive stress-strain curves exhibited a typical three-stage behavior: elastic, plateau and densification. The dynamic compressive strength of foams is affected not only by the relative density but also by the strain rate and cell size. Aluminum alloy foams with higher relative density or smaller cell size are more sensitive to the strain rate than foams with lower relative density or larger cell size.