Dynamic compressive behavior of rigid polyurethane foam with various densities under different temperatures

In this study, the effects of density, temperature, and impact energy on the dynamic behavior of polyurethane foam (PUF) were experimentally investigated. PUF is used as the primary insulation material in liquefied natural gas (LNG) insulation systems because it has several advantageous properties. LNG insulation systems require structural stability under impact loads, such as sloshing. For the safe design of insulation systems, the impact characteristics of the foam should be considered. Therefore, in this study, the density, temperature, and impact energy were selected as variables, and a series of drop impact tests was conducted on PUF. The typical damage mechanism of PUF was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties and absorbed energy as functions of the variables were compared and evaluated. As a result, we found that the dynamic behavior of the foams significantly depends on density, temperature, and impact energy. Moreover, at a relative density exceeding 0.12 (150 kg/m(3)), the foams exhibit the best mechanical properties. In conclusion, this study can be used to determine the optimum polyurethane density depending on the changing LNG insulation system requirements.