The mechanical response of Rohacell foams at different length scales

The quasi-static mechanical response of polymethacrylimide (PMI) foams of density ranging from 50 to 200 kg m(-3) is investigated in order to provide experimental data to inspire and validate numerical constitutive models for the response of polymer foams. The macroscopic mechanical response is characterised by conducting quasistatic compression, tension, shear and indentation experiments, whereas microscopic deformation mechanisms are identified by conducting in situ SEM observations during static compression and tension tests; it is shown that foams of low density collapse by cell wall buckling while foams of high density undergo plastic cell-wall bending. As a result, both the elastic and plastic macroscopic response of the foam display a tension/compression asymmetry.