Investigation of shock transmission and amplification/mitigation in aluminium foams

The present work investigates factors which control the stress generated at the back face of end wall-mounted shock-loaded aluminum foam. When the applied shock pressure is higher than the plastic strength of the foam, the foam deforms plastically generating a compaction wave traveling below shock velocity. Wave reflection and momentum transfer at the end wall result in shock amplification. With increasing foam length, the stress at the end wall decreases, finally leading to shock mitigation. A relation between compaction wave characteristics, foam densification, and stress generated at the end wall is established.

Automated summary

This study investigates the factors controlling stress at the back face of end wall-mounted shock-loaded aluminum foam. Plastic deformation of the foam occurs when the applied shock pressure exceeds its plastic strength, generating a compaction wave traveling at a speed lower than the shock velocity. The reflection and momentum transfer of the wave at the end wall lead to shock amplification. As the foam length increases, the stress at the end wall decreases, resulting in shock mitigation. A relationship between compaction wave characteristics, foam densification, and stress at the end wall is established.