Compressive Deformation Behavior of Al–SiC–MWCNTs Hybrid Composite Foam Through Factorial Design of Experiments

The effect of strain rate, temperature and SiC and MWCNTs contents on compressive deformation behavior of Al–SiC–MWCNTs hybrid composite foam having relative density of 0.23 has been studied through a two-level full factorial design approach. The linear regression equation for the plateau stress (σpl) and energy absorption (Eab) as a function of mentioned parameters (SiC and MWCNTs contents, temp., and strain rate) and their interaction has been developed within the present experimental domain. The value of coefficients associated with the coded values of various parameters and their interactions in the equations suggest the extent of their influences or the influences of their interaction on plateau stress. Accordingly, increased temperature reduces plateau stress significantly. On the other hand, increased SiC and MWCNTs improve the plateau stress to a great extent. The strain rate effect is marginal. Among all other interactions, the interactions between SiC and MWCNTs are quite significant in improving plateau stress and energy absorption.