Numerical Modelling of Metal Foams with Weaire-Phelan Cell

Abstract:

The mechanical properties of open-cell metal foam structures are investigated using the finite element method. The foam structure is modelled by a regular network of anisotropic Weaire-Phelan cells in which the strands are modelled as 3D finite element beams. We consider four types of strand cross sections: (i) circular, (ii) square, (iii) triangular and (iv) Plateau border shape. The numerical results obtained with our proposed mathematical model are checked against the experimental results obtained on real Nickel metallic foam and an excellent agreement is found. In addition, we conducted a parametric analysis to study the effect of some geometrical characteristics on the elasticity of the metal foam. Among these geometrical parameters, the shape, the dimensions of strand cross section, the inertia, the alignment of strands and the structural network irregularities are investigated, discussed and documented.

• Periodical: Defect and Diffusion Forum (Volumes 334-335)
• Pages: 122-126
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/DDF.334-335.122
• Online since: February 2013
• Authors: Sid Ali Kaoua, Haddad Meriem, Dahmoun Djaffar, Mohamed Azzaz
• Keywords: 3D Beam Finite Element, Metal Foam, Modeling, Tensile Loading, Weaire-Phelan Model

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