Impact energy absorption in an A1 foam at low velocities

Energy absorption characteristics of Al foam were investigated using flat-end and spherical-end indenters with impact velocities ranging between 3 and 30 m/s. The absorbed energy increases marginally within the quasi-static regime, but increases significantly at velocities greater than similar to10 m/s, a result of shock wave propagation effects becoming activated. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.