Variation of quasi-static and dynamic compressive properties in single Aluminium-alloy foam block

The variation of the density and compressive properties through a single closed-cell aluminium alloy foam block were evaluated. For this purpose a rectangular block of aluminium foam was fabricated and cut into identical small cubic representative volume specimens in three horizontal layers (bottom, middle and top). The mechanical characteristics of these cubic representative volume specimens were determined using quasi-static and dynamic compression tests, parallel and perpendicular to the foaming direction. The visual observation of the cubic representative volume specimens revealed that the pore size and the relative density vary across the original foam block, particularly on the different horizontal layers. Accordingly, the variation of the compressive properties and the energy absorption characteristics also proved to be significant. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.