Development of empirical equations for prediction of modulus of elasticity for monodisperse metallic foams

Abstract

Metallic foams are a class of lightweight materials that show high potentials for diff erent industrial applications such as automotive and aerospace engineering. However, many factors have prevented metallic foams from being fully utilized in industrial applications. One main factor is that the influences of the porous structure on the mechanical properties of metallic foams are not well known yet. In this paper, a nite element model was used to analyze monodisperse closed cell aluminum foam in order to determine the relationship between its elastic modulus, porosity and pore diameter. A nonlinear relationship was found between the foams porosity, pore diameter and modulus of elasticity. In this regard, an empirical equation was developed and implemented for the prediction of modulus of elasticity versus porosity and pore diameter. Comparing experimental and analytical approaches by other researchers with those obtained in this research shows that agreement exists within 1 to 3 percent. Therefore, this model could be further used for other porous structures. It was also found that a similar empirical equation with new coe cients can also be used to predict the modulus of elasticity of cast iron and steel foams.