Title: Dynamic Response of Open Cell Aluminum Foams

Authors: Damian Stoddard, Huadian Zhang, Brendan O' Toole, Mohamed Trabia, Arunachalam Rajendran

DOI:

Abstract: This study investigates the dynamic response of open-cell aluminum foams to develop lightweight materials for impact and shock mitigation. Quasi-static and dynamic response of a molded polymeric Foam-iT!™ 3, and Duocel® aluminum foams with relative densities of 4–6% (low density) and 10–12% (high density) were compared, along with three functionally graded core configurations designed to emulate biological structures such as fish scales. Quasi-static compression tests showed significant scatter in the mechanical response due to material variability with plateau stresses of 0.35–0.65 MPa, while high-density foams were more consistent, exceeding 2 MPa. Both densities reached densification at a nominal strain of approximately 0.55. Dynamic testing was conducted using direct impact and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). These experiments revealed that dynamic loading produced substantially higher plateau stresses than quasi-static loading. Digital image correlation (DIC) measurements indicated that plateau strain is inversely proportional to both relative density and strain rate. Finite element simulations of these SHPB experiments were conducted using the ABAQUS. These simulations provided insight into the effects of density gradation and strain-rate sensitivity on the dynamic response of the foams, clarifying the progression of deformation and the mechanisms governing densification in metallic foams in layered protective panels.

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Conference: SAMPE 2026

Publication Date: 2026/04/27

SKU: 150

Pages: 16

Price: $32.00